As the competitions oldest player, age is clearly no barrier for the evergreen Dustin Fletcher who this week celebrated his 38th birthday.

In 2013, Fletcher is the oldest player in the competition by more than three years, the largest gap between players in the VFL/AFL since 1938.

“Once you get over thirty it seems old these days but I am still enjoying it and we have a good bunch of players and coaches so it’s been great,” Fletcher told BomberTV.

“Probably the last six or seven years there has been a birthday cake of some sort so I might just keep it to a little one at home and have a bit of a family thing tonight.”

Fletcher is this season taking part in his 21st at AFL level since making his debut in 1993, equalling the feat of former St. Kilda midfielder Robert Harvey.

The 38-year-old will return to the team on Friday night for the blockbuster against Geelong after missing the last three weeks with a groin injury.

“Obviously they have a few talls down there but they have a few smalls as well so I am looking forward to the game,” Fletcher said.

“I was sort of touch and go last week and I did a fair bit of training.”

The 368-gamer thanked Essendon fans for their ongoing support.

“Ever since I started they have been fantastic and I thank them for their support, obviously it is a bit of a tough time but the way the supporters have got behind us and having over 52,000 members is fantastic,” he said.

“Just keep that support up and I am sure we are in for a good year.”