They stood at opposite ends of the ground but few know Dustin Fletcher as well as Matthew Lloyd.
The pair were teammates for 15 seasons and bookends in Essendon’s most dominant year.
“He never said a lot, he’d just lead by his actions,” Lloyd said.
“He’s always been a durable player.
“He’s always someone I looked up to."
Fletcher is set to join an elite group when he runs out for the Bombers this weekend.
He’ll become just the third player to reach the 400 game milestone.
“Still to be playing at 40 years of age at such a high level is just something that I never thought I’d see at AFL level,” Lloyd said.
“I can imagine it from a midfielder, but to be playing a key position backline role, that’s something that’s unheard of because you just take a battering.
Fletcher cut his teeth in an era when every side seemed to have a star full forward.
His deeds in defence would cost him a couple of teeth over the journey but the grounding he got through the 90’s ensured he stayed mentally strong.
“Back in those days, Fletch would have the whole defensive 50 that was opened up for his opponent.”
Jason Dunstall, Gary Ablett Snr, Tony Lockett, Tony Modra, Peter Sumich, Sav Rocca, Stephen Kernahan, Wayne Carey … there was no let up for Fletcher.
“You’re 18, 19, 20 years of age and you’re playing against the greatest full-forwards of any era,” Lloyd said.
“He knows his strengths. Fletch wouldn’t wrestle with those guys. He just reads the angles, cuts the angles off and uses his long arms and legs to stop his opponent.”
As the game evolved, the great defenders became attacking weapons.
“Fletch was probably the first one that ‘Sheeds’ gave the role to that you don’t have your best defender on the best forward.
“You have someone that doesn’t win much ball on that gun player and use a guy like Dustin Fletcher to create intercept marks.
“Sheeds was probably ahead of his time in that regard.”
An ability to do enough on the training track but not over-do it has aided Fletcher’s longevity, according to Lloyd.
When an enthusiastic fitness trainer arrived at the club and employed a pre-game warm-up Lloyd likened to a first quarter, Fletcher adjusted.
“He’d want us to do about ten sprints before the game.
“Fletch would do the first sprint and then duck off to the toilet cubicles and just sit there for the next nine sprints.
“He does everything right, but he doesn’t over-train.”
Life after beckons for Fletcher, but just when that happens is anyone’s guess.
He knows footy – you only have to look at the development of Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker for evidence of that.
“His tuition for them has been priceless,” Lloyd said.
“He’s not the most confident speaker to a group, but he is a great teacher one on one.
“A development role in coaching, he’d be perfect for it.”
Head to Lloyd’s Lowdown for the full interview with Matthew Lloyd.
