Lining up on the ball for an Ovens and Murray side filled to the brim with star power, Wheeler formed part of what can only be described as a well-oiled machine, dominating around the contest against his former GVL compatriots.
Having formed part of interleague squads for GVL through his days playing at Seymour, he came into Saturday’s game with a point to prove, and duly delivered for his team in what he described as a fantastic experience.
“It was really good (to come back and play the GV), it was a great contest and really good rivalry we have between the two leagues,” Wheeler said.
“To be able to be involved in these interleague games it is a massive honour, you get that step up from the local competition, everyone enjoys playing it and it was just good to have it back.
“The heat was on from the start and both sides really cracked in, so to come away with the win was fantastic.”
Coming up against GVL for the first time on the interleague stage, Wheeler said he really enjoyed the opportunity of playing against some of his best mates.
“It was good to know a few of the boys on the GV side and it definitely made for a fun day out there,” he said.
“They did get into me a little bit out there, but I think that was more just the intensity of the game, they are all great blokes.
“Guys like Murph (Jack Murphy) from Seymour I’m very good mates with them, so it was nice to see them all again and be on the winning side.”
As for how the game itself played out, Wheeler said an even spread of solid contributors served as the key to the O&M’s big victory.
“It was just a good all round game from everyone there, our backs were great, Isaac Muller dominated in the ruck, but all in all everyone just did their bit,” he said.
“We just put in a great rounded effort and to have everyone out there that could play, it was very pleasing.”
