Dustin Fletcher doesn’t play many bad AFL games, but when he does he still gets a rocket from his old man.
Fletcher will play his 379th match for Essendon in Friday night’s round-one clash with North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.
The athletic defender will break Simon Madden’s club record of 378 and move into outright fourth on the league’s all-time list.
Fletcher’s father Ken is a former Essendon captain.
“He gives a good honest opinion on how I play,” Dustin Fletcher told reporters on Thursday.
“He never beats around the bush and that’s a good thing.”
Madden says it’s a tribute to Fletcher’s ability to prepare himself mentally and physically each week that he can be still going at 38.
“He’s been fantastic,” Madden said.
Two full seasons including finals would push Fletcher in reach of Hawthorn great Michael Tuck’s league record of 426 games.
“Michael Tuck’s getting scared,” Madden said.
What’s even more remarkable about the 198cm beanpole Fletcher’s longevity at the top level is he should be closing in on 400 games already, except he has been suspended for 20 matches during his career.
Friday’s game is also Essendon’s first of the season and it’s Mark Thompson’s debut match as senior coach of the club.
“I’m still a bit nervous. There’s a bit happening all on the one night,” Fletcher said.
Fletcher’s 1993 premiership teammate Thompson recalls a skinny fellow with great closing speed.
Not much has changed.
North’s key forward Drew Petrie says Fletcher’s ability to play on talls and smalls is unmatched in the league.
“He’s incredible. He still has his pace,” Petrie said.
Fletcher says he used to get a ride home from training with Thompson.
“I was lucky enough to have some great people around then,” Fletcher said.
It wasn’t all beer and skittles though, playing on Tony Lockett, Gary Ablett Senior, Jason Dunstall, Peter Sumich and various other star full forwards.
“I’ve never taken myself too seriously,” Fletcher said.
“There were times when you got some big goals kicked on you.
“They were pretty tough times early in my career.”
Fletcher says in a strong field, Ablett was his toughest opponent.
“He was amazing,” Fletcher said.
Injuries and a two-game suspension meant Fletcher played 13 games last season. Retirement was on his mind.
“The groin got a bit sore and I was having a think about it then,” Fletcher said.
He sat down with the club and was assured he was still wanted.
“That’s all I really needed,” Fletcher said.
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