Paul Wheatley Mathew Whelan and Russell Robertson

[IWAP 168]

To this day, I still don't understand how Robbo wasn't All Australian in 2005. The 97 season was an absolutely horrible one. Robbo as I remember, was one of the few bright sparks towards the end of the season, that made it worth turning up to the footy.

Wheels has always been great to watch - love his tackling style, and its just unfortunate that he had so many injury problems, that limited his career

[Hannabal 4]

Robertson - best game for me rnd 20 V Geelong at SS = 7 goals - one of the great high marks in the game

Whelan - no stand-out game, but at times our most important defender and just a true and loyal soldier

Wheatley - best memory - fantastic 2nd half against Brisbane at the Gabba rnd 14 2002 - would have been better in a better side - top bloke

Edited August 13, 2009 by Hannibal

[Roost It 1,434]

You're a [censored] with no sense of timing or perspective.

It's an even and honest appraisal, albeit at my second attempt.

[Kit Walker 207]

The problem as I understand it is that with Robbo and Junior on the veteran's list, removing both from the list only yields one spot for another player. Therefore if he is delisted or he retires, we won't actually gain a spot on the list anyway. Can anyone confirm or correct this?

I think Redleg's response re another rookie is right. Cam Bruce becomes a veteran next year but he would be the only one if McDonald were to go too.

[beelzebub 22,225]

With these three gone it certainly feels like an era is coming to a close.

Bit like the recession we had to have. Not plesant at all.. and yet in order for the New Melbourne to blossom and grow the paddock had to be ploughed over and re-tilled. Otherws might say its likepruning roses.. you go right back almost brutally. It is an end of an era..its also the beginning of a new one and no disrepect to those of the previous but this one will be successful, truly successful.

[tarzan16 40]

If true I wish Paul all the best in his life after footy and thank him for his contribution to the MFC.

To those on this site happy to trash any MFC player who was not as good as Robbie Flower, shame on you.

Not everyone can be a champion and to those who don't realize that, have a look in the mirror and see if you see a champion looking back.

The boys on our list do their best and if they are not good enough they will be moved on, they don't deserve to be trashed.

I look forward to the time when we can all just say thank you for the effort and good luck in the future.

well said redlegs. there are so many [censored] on this site that really don't know the meaning of the word SUPPORTER. u stick by ur team through thick and thin. Wheatley was a great servant, granted, not the most skillful, but crippled by injuries.

if he was so [censored] according to some people why was he at the club for 10 years? because he was a loyal and hard working player who even with these injuries gave everything, exactly what every club needs. and, waht a long kick, one of the best i've ever seen.

good luck wheaters, u are a true demon!

[H_T 2,941]

Firstly, I'd like to thank these Melbourne football club representatives on their footy careers that have presented many highlights for us all. Robbo for his excitement, his high flying and goals kicked and being a loyal servant of our great club. Wheats (The Super Goal King) has played over 125 games and has been a good honest hard working footballer who gives his all. It may not be to the level that others wanted him to aspire to, but not everyone can reach those heights. To Wheels (thinking of you 45h), who kept the small forwards in check, and plenty of opposition players on their toes when he was in the vicinity. Nathan Brown salutes you mate!

Thankyou guys for your contribution and effort and representing the Melbournefc.

He will, and rightfully so, feel very proud of a 10 year career in the cut-throat environment that is AFL.

If true, now is not the time to discuss his "grading," that's quite disrespectful towards a player who has played over 125 games for our club.

I'll second that.

Not everyone can be a champion and to those who don't realize that, have a look in the mirror and see if you see a champion looking back.

The boys on our list do their best and if they are not good enough they will be moved on, they don't deserve to be trashed.

Totally agree.

I'm interested to know why so many posts have been edited / deleted by moderators on this thread.

Just because players are soon to retire does not make them sacred cows.

No it doesn't make them sacred cows, but they at least deserve some respect for their efforts for the Melbournefc. Correct?

I'm glad 2 of those players are finishing their careers and one spent a long time dogging it before getting the tap on the shoulder.

Distasteful.

For what it's worth, I agree.

Fwiw, I don't Rogue. I think Fan, RR, WJ have been on the money in moderating in this particular thread. And I agree with Redleg's comments.

'C'mon. Some respect please.

Agree.

On those who prefer to be more than critical and even engage in personal attacks on loyal servants of the club who only gave of their best over a long period of time I can only endorse the comments of Redleg and Fan above. There's a great article in today's Age on this issue and I agree that when people have to resort to nasty and snide attacks on sportsmen, it's often more a poor reflection on the person making the comments than anything else.

True, and I'm pleased it's not condoned.

Let's wish them well and all the best in their future endeavours, whatever they may be, and look forward to an exciting and younger list.

Edited August 14, 2009 by High Tower

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

Look at all the [censored] keyboard heroes who like to stick it to club champions just because they weren't able to deliver a flag every year they were on the list.

Those "fans" should be banned from the site. Criticism is one thing, but sticking it to a former player does no-one any good, except make the offender feel better about themselves.

I come to 'land to talk to other MFC supporters. Not for this shite.

Posters pull your heads in, and congratulations to the mods for finally sticking the boot into some of these low-lifes.

Back on topic. I was thinking about this today, that it's the end of an era. Many of the 20-30-something supporters of the club grew up in the Neitz era... and with JMac probably going, and these three leaving, we are seeing the last of that guard. The only links left will be Bruce and Green, along with a few of the 21-23 year olds. With these retirements, we now finally see the list as we will know it for the next 10 years.

Special mention here to Wrecker and Robbo. Many will sing the praises of Robbo as a genuine champion of the club who can rightly count himself in the company of players like Neitz. But also to Whelan, who I put in my top ten I've ever seen at the club, and is one of the greats of the 2000s for us. Probably the most under-rated player I've ever seen in an MFC jumper. Actually, DEFINITELY the most under-rated.

Goodbye gentelemen, good luck... and from the bottom of the REAL supporters hearts. Thankyou for everything.

[brey9186 102]

I havent read all this thread, but congratulations to all 3 men on their AFL careers, Robbo is in every melbourne supporters heart, and Wrecka and Wheaters have made great contributions as well!

My thoughts and hopes for Wheels is the club employs him as their "indigenous" officer, and he can concentrate on not only our current aboriginal players, but creating a pathway for more young players, from not only Yuendumu, from the other communitys around australia, to play for this great club!

[Binmans PA 25,890]

'

C'mon. Some respect please. Would you go to a funeral of a mate and then halfway through the eulogy call out "That bastard owed me $50 bucks"?

That's a totally different situation...

[titan_uranus 22,219]

I never really rated Wheatley as a player, but nonetheless it's a bit sad to think that Wheels, Wheats and Robbo are all going to be gone. I really do hope that Whelan gets his 150 games.

[mauriesy 6,783]

For every real champion, there's a dozen loyal players who still do their bit for the club. There are also hundreds of "foot soldiers" playing in the AFL.

This is the end for three good players, two from injuries and one from age. It just happens. Now is the right time to pay respect and honour these players for what they contributed.

I reckon some of you guys would think it appropriate to harp on faults at a eulogy.

[Binmans PA 25,890]

Robertson - best game for me rnd 20 V Geelong at SS = 7 goals - one of the great high marks in the game

Whelan - no stand-out game, but at times our most important defender and just a true and loyal soldier

Wheatley - best memory - fantastic 2nd half against Brisbane at the Gabba rnd 14 2002 - would have been better in a better side - top bloke

Spot on, Hannibal. I agree with all of the above. Thanks for the service, boys.

[Spaghetti 264]

My favourite Whelan moment has to be his hit on Hird. Solid bump.

[beelzebub 22,225]

Hopefully Wheaters wil lbe up to it by rnd 22.. Just like to see those booming kicks one last time wouldnt mind seeing him lob it from the wing into a pocket with Watts and Jurrah waiting ... be worth the thrashing were likely to endure..lol

[Neita3000 37]

Great careers all 3 of them.

Wish them all the best in their future plans.

[H_T 2,941]

My favourite Whelan moment has to be his hit on Hird. Solid bump.

Someone had that as their Avatar.....fantastic. Hird didn't know what hit him. Nice one Wheels.

[beelzebub 22,225]

I wonder if Wheatas has eyed the NFL ?

[1858 219]

All the best to all three of these guys who wore the red and blue guensey with pride and exhibited their loyalty and passion for the team in their own unique ways. Time stands still for no man and as a club we have to keep instilling the list with youth. The mere fact that some people are suggesting that Wheatley can play on for another couple of years shows that we have advanced to a new level at the club. Irrespective of what we think Wheatley can contribute, some times you have to cut short careers in the interest of the greater good and as hard as it may seem this is the trait of a club in good stead. Personally I think the timing is right for all three to retire and thank them for their service. If Robbo wants to play on at another club then good luck to him, it is his choice if he wants to keep enjoying footy or be a 1 club player.

[Einstein 1]

I wonder if Wheatas has eyed the NFL ?

I don't know if Paul does have the NFL in his future plans, I hope he does, but I do know that a number of NFL scouts have visited over the last few years, and Wheats is one of a handful of AFL players that were listed as potential NFL punters. I really hope he has a crack.

[e25 5]

Because some people just don't get it... like you for instance.

No, you obviously don't get it.

There is room for criticism too without blatant censorship.

Shout me down if you will, but don't delete my posts because you disagree with them.

Nathan Carroll was never afforded this sort of treatment, but that's ok cos you don't rate him as highly...

[e25 5]

More importantly could use the spot on the list to draft a young player.

Junior has been a great servant of the MFC and has given his all, but if as hoped we draft you know who and his S.A. mate then there really is no place for Junior. I think he is or will be 33 and while he is still getting possessions he is not the future of the MFC. He has had a great career and should take the opportunity of retiring on a high while he is still playing reasonable footy.

I would much rather see him retire than delist a youngster who still may make it if given another season.

I'm only 90% sure on this, but i thought the fact Junior is on the veterans' list means that he doesn't actually take up a spot on the roster.

Might be worth looking into before anyone calls for his retirement (mind you, not accusing you of that)

[45HG 1,539]

My favourite Wheels moment was when he played.

I'll sure miss him.

Far out though, is anyone else cross with how this has come out? Through bloody weasel worm man on the footy show, and now a day later still nothing up on the website.

I'd think matters like this deserve more respect than seems to have been issued here.

[e25 5]

'

C'mon. Some respect please. Would you go to a funeral of a mate and then halfway through the eulogy call out "That bastard owed me $50 bucks"?

Depends on how badly I needed it when he refused to give it to me.

But probably not, no.

Edited August 14, 2009 by Enforcer25

[Jaded No More 57,623]

Nathan Carroll was never afforded this sort of treatment, but that's ok cos you don't rate him as highly...

How the hell can you compare Carroll's ugly exist from our club, to the retirement of three great servants who have never done anything other than represent the club in a professional and respectable manner?

Nobody here is claiming that they were greater players than they were, but positive reflection at this time seems far more appropriate than misguided criticism that will do nothing to change the course of history.