Australian Football

Tough, tenacious and fearless, Terry Wheeler arrived at Footscray from Warburton and made his senior VFL debut in 1974. Initially used as a rover he soon moved into defence and eventually established himself as one of the finest back pocket specialists in the game. Never one to take a backward step, he was no stranger to the tribunal, although more often as the victim than the perpetrator. His career with the Bulldogs spanned the years 1974 to 1983 and saw him playing 157 games and kicking 18 goals.

The 1984 season saw Wheeler installed as captain-coach of VFA first division side Williamstown. He enjoyed a noteworthy time with the Seagulls whom he steered to grand finals in 1985, 1986 and 1988. However, only the 1986 match was won.

In 1990 he was appointed coach of Footscray. It was a tumultuous time for the club which was on its knees financially and facing the prospect of a highly unpopular merger with Fitzroy. Ultimately the club was saved, and Wheeler spent just over four moderately successful years in the post.

Author - John Devaney