Although the club announced Wheatley and Matthew Whelan were retiring, the long-kicking half-back/winger has revealed he wants to play on in the AFL in 2010.
"I'm only 28, so whatever I'll be doing I'll be playing footy somewhere next year – at what level I don't know," Wheatley told melbournefc.com.au.
"I've still got the passion for the game and I'm the same age as 'Greeny' [Brad Green] – we're both 28 – and six months ago I was feeling really good about myself and flying.
"Things can change pretty quickly and if another club is interested, I'll definitely put my hand up, because you don't want to die wondering and I still think I've got a fair bit to give."
Although Wheatley, whose year has been ruined by quadriceps and calf injuries, is set to play just his third match this season against St Kilda at the MCG on Sunday, he believes he still has what it takes to play at the highest level.
"I know you need a lot of luck to get picked up again – I don't know what the odds are, they are probably against me – but I'm not going to die wondering," he said.
"I just want to keep giving it a crack, because I appreciate it a lot more than I did 12 months ago."
His frustrating year comes on the back of his best AFL season in 2008, when he played 19 matches and accumulated 462 disposals (averaging 24 touches per game) and was regarded as one of the most improved players in the competition. He also achieved a career-best 36 possessions against West Coast Eagles in round 20.
"I've got no doubt, if I wasn't injured this year, I'd be playing footy next year, because I've got a lot of confidence now and I was going into this season with a lot more confidence than I've ever had. That's all because of experience as well," Wheatley said.
"The quaddie (quadriceps) takes a long time to get over, because it was right down the middle.
"But my body is feeling good – I don't have a worn out knee and it's not as though I can't run – so I don't feel any different."
Wheatley is set to play his 135th match since debuting for Melbourne in 2000.
Although he is sad to be leaving the club, he looks back with great affection.
"I'll be very, very proud and honoured to wear the jumper again for one more time against the Saints this week and it'll mean a lot, knowing it's for the last time. I've got to thank the club for giving me the opportunity," Wheatley said.
"Bails [coach Dean Bailey] told me three or four weeks ago: 'Just make sure you're right for that game and we'll play you, even if you're on one leg'. My body is feeling good, so I'm looking forward to a good performance as well."
