Although, the duo weren't separated at birth and don't live up to the movie catch-cry 'only their mother can tell them apart', their AFL careers have mirrored each other's in remarkable ways.
"It was one of the things I was happy about. If there is a guy you want to go out with in the end, it's Wheels, who is one of my best mates down here and Robbo [Russell Robertson], who has also been great to play with," Wheatley told melbournefc.com.au.
"Wheels and myself got drafted in the same year, lived together and played most of our whole career together in the backline and got injuries together."
But as they say in the advertorials: 'Wait there's more'.
They also sit next to each other alphabetically on Melbourne's list, debuted in the same year and received injuries minutes apart in round 19, 2000, forcing them out of the finals series and the club's most recent grand final.
But there is a sealer:
"Wheels has got his lovely fiancé Renee and I've got my lovely girlfriend Bec, who are best friends, and I met Bec through Renee," he said.
Whelan takes up how they met.
"In my second or third year, I moved in with Paul and I lived with him for a fair bit and then I met my partner Renee and she used to bring her best friend Bec to all of our dos," he said.
"Paul ended up hooking up with Bec, so that's why we're still pretty close. Our partners are best friends, so it certainly helps in the relationship."
There may have been quirks and similarities shared along the journey – on and off the field – but they have also created a lasting legacy at Melbourne. Although both did not reach the dizzy heights of some, together they won what all footballers crave: respect.
"From a supporters' point of view, as long as they said I had a crack, that's all you can hope for. I wasn't the most skilful or fastest, but I prided myself on being a pretty tough player and not backing down to anyone, so hopefully that's what they remember me for," Whelan said, whose bump on Essendon great James Hird in a final will long live on in Melbourne supporters' memories.
Wheatley said being recognised among his peers was what he was most proud of.
"Definitely among the boys and the feedback from Leading Teams … the three words they've used for me are clubman, knowledgeable and respected. They were three pretty good words," he said.
"I'm proud of what I've been able to achieve. I've played over 100 games for Melbourne and I've become a life member. You give that to me at the start of the day and I'd take it with both hands, no worries.
"I don't take things for granted, I really appreciate what I've been able to do … it's been everything I've ever dreamed of ever since I can remember. Every birthday wish I ever had when I cut the cake was: I hope I play AFL football.
"To play at the Melbourne football club for 10 years is something I'm very proud of and in the future, I'll be telling the kids that I was twice the player I was."
So how is Wheatley, who is set to play his 135th and final match for the club, feeling knowing he is about to wear the red and blue for one more time?
"Most guys are counting down the days until the end of the season … but it's probably the only year where I want it to keep going," he said.
"I'm feeling sad, just to leave everything behind. Once you leave, the playing group is never the same, although you come back as a past player. I'm going to miss it. I'm going to miss the training, the locker room, sweating it out with the boys and the camaraderie.
"I'm going to miss wearing the jumper on game day at the MCG – I'm just glad I'm going to do that one more time."
As for Whelan, who is set to become the first indigenous Melbourne player to play 150 matches, he too is feeling similar emotions.
"When you make the decision to finish, there is some relief, because you don't get scrutinised week-in-week-out and you can be a bit more relaxed at training and soak it up a bit more," he said.
"At the same time, it is sad, because it has been a big part of your life for so long.
"It's not going to hit home until the boys start pre-season and I won't be there … when I've got a bit more free time on my hands and get out in the real world. It's an exciting time, but at the same time, a sad time."
