Brown's kick. Because Brown was kicking with his left boot Whelan landed on his right foot, and, in front of horrified Friday Night Football viewers, broke his leg. Replays were constantly played on the news, including Sports Tonight and Fox Sports News. Whelan said that he had felt guilty, given the seriousness of Brown's injury. Brown sat out the rest of the season, and has had re-occurring leg-related injuries ever since. 2006 AFL Season Whelan had a stellar season in 2006, marred only by minor injuries to his calf and hamstring.he kicked a career high four goals in round-five 2007 & Luke Ball incident During the 2007 season opener against St Kilda, while shepherding a teammate, Whelan turned his back, colliding solidly with Luke Ball. The severe collision injured both players, resulting in both coming off the ground, with the back of Whelan's head lacerating Ball's forehead. Ball was carried off the ground with a laceration to his head, although both players later returned to play out the game. Whelan was charged for rough play based on the video. The charge, however, was later dropped as the high contact was ruled as an accidental clash of heads, while Ball continued a slow recovery from the injury. His 2007 season saw him play just a handful of games due to injury. 2008 & Brendan Fevola incident In round-five of the 2008 season, Whelan was reported for striking Carlton's full-forward Brendan Fevola. He was offered a two-week suspension by the AFL. But an early-guilty plea reduced this to just one week. Retirement In August 2009 Whelan announced his retirement from the AFL alongside team mate Paul Wheatley, effective after Round 22, as part of the Melbourne Football Club's youth policy. His career has been plagued by injury, but is leaving on a good note and was happy to play an important role mentoring the MFC's young Aboriginal players. In February 2010, Whelan was awarded life membership of the Melbourne Football club at the club's annual general meeting. References External links Indigenous Australian players of Australian rules football Living people 1979 births Melbourne Football Club players Woodville-West Torrens Football Club players Darwin Football Club players Sportspeople from Darwin, Northern Territory Australian rules footballers from the Northern Territory Casey Demons players