Essendon Coach James Hird has praised the contribution of Dustin Fletcher on the eve of the veteran’s 400^th game.

Fletcher has spent most of his life at Essendon, with his father also a Bombers champion.

“Everyone at the club is very proud of Dustin and what he’s done,” Hird said.

“His parents have obviously contributed a lot to who he is and so has his family, his wife and his kids.

“We’re very proud of him; an incredible player and an incredible person.”

On the field, the Essendon defensive unit has become a consistent group over the last season and a half.

Hird said the influence of Fletcher has been strong. 

“He taught me more about playing in defence than I’ve taught him.

“I talked to Cale Hooker about what he’s learnt from Fletch and his response was ‘everything’”.

Essendon meet an in-form Richmond side on Saturday night.

After a slow start to the season, the Tigers have won their last two matches. 

“I think they’ve been a bit safer with the ball,” Hird said. 

“Their contested football has still been very good, their ground balls have been very good.

“We need to play very well to beat them.”

If you would like to continue to celebrate Dustin Fletcher’s career after Saturday’s match, click here for details on the club’s Milestones and Hall of Fame night.