Taken with Essendon’s final selection in last week’s national draft, defender Sean Gregory is not fazed by early comparisons to veteran Dustin Fletcher.

The 18-year-old key defender from Rupertswood stands at 195cms tall and weighs just 76kgs.

“People have already labeled me as the Fletcher prototype so I play something like him I suppose,” Gregory told essendonfc.com.au.

“I play like him and if I can be half the player he has become than that is a good level to be at.”

Coach James Hird is one to have made such comparisons but is not expecting immediate results from the new draftee.

“Sean is someone we see as long term to replace Dustin Fletcher, he has a similar type body and a tennis background,” Hird said.

“No pressure on him but we would love him to replace Fletch in three or four years time.”

Gregory, the last live pick in the national draft said it was a thrill meeting his new teammates for the first time earlier this week.

“It’s a bit scary in a way that you have been watching all these people on TV and you never think you will meet them,” he said.

“It is a bit daunting but I am already starting to get used to it and it will only get better each week.”

The young defender paid tribute to his family for their support through his junior career.

“It was a big thrill, my mum went for Essendon her whole life and I am just happy to come to such a great club and happy to be starting my career at Essendon.”

“My parents have always been there to drive me around so they have been a great support.”

“My older brother has been a big support, he has always been there to kick the footy with and telling me I could make it.”