In the week leading up to his 300th game for Essendon, Dustin Fletcher has revealed his intentions to play on next year in what would be his 18th season for the club.
Speaking with the media this morning, Fletcher said he was enjoying the mentor role he plays to Essendon's young backline and hoped it would extend to at least the end of the 2010 season.
“1993 is a long time ago from where I am sitting now, I still feel pretty good, the body is alright and I’ve got enough young blokes around me to keep me young and I’m still enjoying it,” he said.
“Last year I came into the season a little bit sore but this year I probably haven’t done as much training as the other guys and I’m feeling pretty good in myself. Next year I’ll go again and anything after that you just wait and see.
“At this stage, touch wood, the body is feeling good; I’ve kept my speed which is probably one of the key aspects.
“Footy is really changing with the zones and plays like that; I still believe I have a role to play down back as an experienced player.""
Fletcher, who will turn 34 during the season, was recruited under the Father/Son rule in the 1992 national draft.
He has won two Premierships, a club Best and Fairest and now is playing a vital role in mentoring the Bomber’s young defensive unit and assisting in the development of Patrick Ryder, Tayte Pears, Darcy Daniher and Michael Hurley.
“I think I’ve probably realised in the past year that younger guys do need a bit of experience around them,” he said.
""I’ve started to watch their match videos with them, then I go and watch mine with them because I know that being out on the big stage, for these young kids, is a huge thing and if I can help them out in any way I’m going to do that.
“Darcy is next to me in the locker room, we have a bit of a joke around and I try to make him feel a part of things.
“Paddy is another great young kid and probably reminds me of myself in some ways being pretty relaxed. I sit next to him in the locker room everyday as well.
“He is really enjoying his footy, I think that he’ll be around for a while as he is good down low, great with his second efforts and takes a decent mark. I’ll look forward to watching him when I’m done.
“I know what it feels like now to see the joy and excitement on the young kids faces after big wins. I think that has been the best bit for me personally, to see those boys smiling and singing the song after a big win.""
Fletcher said he was not considering life after football at this stage of his career but suggested coaching might be an option in the future.
“I enjoy teaching young kids and obviously football is what I know,"" he said.
""I’d like to be involved in, somewhere along the line in coaching and helping them through. I feel like I can get through to some of the kids. It might be an option but I’ll just wait and see as things do change pretty quickly.”
Click here to read Mark McVeigh's comments on Fletcher in his website blog.
