James Hird has paid tribute to Dustin Fletcher at the club’s Milestone and Hall of Fame Induction evening.

Hird remembered a skinny schoolboy who displayed such ‘raw talent’ when he began his career at Essendon.

Fletcher went on to become one of the game’s most complete defenders. 

He battled against some of the greatest full-forwards of all time and more than held his own. 

“His teammates trusted him to win the contest,” Hird said.

The Essendon Coach played alongside Fletcher in two premiership teams.

A young Fletcher marked Carlton’s Stephen Kernahan in the first Grand Final victory in 1993.

Seven seasons later, he had become one of the competition’s leading fullbacks, who was able to launch attack from deep in defence.

In Essendon’s most dominant season, Fletcher was adjudged the team’s best player. 

“When you win a Best and Fairest in a premiership year, that is a significant achievement,” Hird said.

“Our side in 2000 was built on our backline.”

At the other end of the ground was Matthew Lloyd – a man who would go on to become Essendon’s greatest goal-kicker.

Hird said the training ground battles between the Bomber bookends were fierce. 

“Fletch’s best character trait is that he didn’t want to ever get beaten.

“To watch Dustin Fletcher against Matthew Lloyd at training was a privilege.”

Dustin’s father, Ken, said his family was immensely proud of Dustin and his achievements.

“When he played his 400^th, I was so thrilled for him,” he said. 

“He loves the club and playing football.”