Essendon veteran Dustin Fletcher has played down the prospect of reaching 400 career games as he prepares to line up for his 22nd season at the top level.
The 38-year-old, who has played 378 games since 1993, is set to surpass Essendon champion Simon Madden as the club’s games record holder. The longstanding record is set to break in Round 1 when the Bombers face North Melbourne on Friday 21 March.
The evergreen defender will move into outright fourth on the League’s All Time Games Record list behind Robert Harvey (383), Kevin Bartlett (403) and Michael Tuck (426).
At this week’s Season Launch Evening, Fletcher said he was not particularly focused on whether he could reach the magical milestone of 400 games.
“I know 400 sounds nice but I just want to help the boys get up the ladder,” Fletcher said.
“I want to help the team play in a finals series and do some damage there, so while 400 games sounds nice it would take a good finals series to make it to that.”
Fletcher would need to play all 22 home-and-away games this season in order to reach the achievement, accomplished only by Bartlett and Tuck.
Lining up alongside Fletcher in the back line this season is 23-year-old Michael Hurley. After playing at both ends of the ground over the last few seasons, Hurley is ready to settle in defence under the guidance of senior coach Mark Thompson.
Fletcher said he was excited about what Hurley would bring to the defensive group.
“From the videos I have watched of Hurls when he was younger, he was a fantastic defender.”
“We are rapt to have him back there with the way that he attacks the footy.
“To have him injury free and playing a full season you will see a champion in the making I reckon.”
Don't drop the ball when it comes to your career. You could become a Personal Trainer with Dyson Heppell, Mark Baguley, Tayte Pears and Michael Hibberd at Australian Institute of Fitness. Contact the Institute on 1300 669 669 or visit www.fitness.edu.au
