Veteran fullback, Dustin Fletcher, has once again received a firm the thumbs up from the Bomber fans after another solid season.

The 33-year-old was given an excellent 2008 report card of 7.78/10 which is down from a very high 8.36/10 in 2007 (his second All-Australian year).
 
The two-time premiership star - who is entering his 16th season - has now played 294 AFL games and with his father, Ken, holds the record for the most AFL/VFL games by a father and son combination.
 

2008

Games – 18

Kicks – 198

Handballs – 82

Marks – 96

Goals – 2

Fan’s report card rating 7.78/10

2007

Games – 19

Kicks – 309

Handballs – 85

Marks – 144

Goals – 3

Fan’s report card rating 8.36/10

2006

Games – 16

Kicks – 211

Handballs – 67

Marks – 98

Goals – 0

Fan’s report card rating 8.25/10

This is what some of the fans had to say about Dustin Fletcher’s 2008 season:

Norman Cacciattolo - He is a champion footballer and a legend of the Essendon Football Club.

Wayne Geggie - Fletch will be sorely missed when he retires so use all of his guile and experience while he is still available. I hope young Paddy is spending a lot of time with this bloke to see how he operates.

Bradley Mclean - Another great year from the champ

Jonathan Woods - Superb as always!

Ben White - Another solid performance from the veteran. Plays with heart all the time and gives 100%. He definitely lifts those who are in his presence.

Tina Saccone - Another solid year in the back line for Fletch. Great courage, skill and agility!

Connor Makropoulos - He has just been a legend of Essendon. Arguably the best defender ever at Essendon. Even in his last years he is still defending great. He'll be rewarded with his 300th next year.

John Poke - Another great year from one of great players. I always enjoys his game and his ability to take out a player by attacking the ball and delivering it into the forward line. Thanks for another great year Dustin.

Philip Martin - Fletch you are champion, without you in the back half of the ground the team struggles, stay injury free in 2009 we need you to play every game, you are a true bomber.

Bill Griffiths - Another fine year from Dustin. One wonders when some of our midfield players will take responsibility for their opponents and help out the defence.

Rodney Broadbent - Well what more can I say about this enigmatic defender. A revelation when things get tough and a saviour when things are tight. Is there another Fletcher coming through the ranks! I hope so.

Robert Cleland - Everything that can be said about Dustin has been said. Arguably the most valuable defender the game has ever seen. I am looking forward to 2009 just to see you play again. Thank you to a true champion.

Nicholas McHattie - Never a disappointing moment with fletch. The safety down back continuing to perform year after year.

Julian McGuire - Still a gun. We are going to miss him down back after next season.

Nicholas Morrey - Another solid year from 'Fletch'. Hope he has a great 2009 because he is a champion of the club and deserves a great farewell.

Caleb Slade - Played very well and next year and possibly as a coach in a couple of years after will be coaching our young defenders the tricks of the trade

Matt Milburn - The cornerstone of our defence and really did nothing wrong all year. In a game that is speeding up around him Fletch still keeps up with the kids.

Cameron Gliese - Just keep's on keeping on. Hopefully Pears plays more this year and helps free him up on the rebound.

Alan Betts - Although the body is starting to show signs of age he is still a very valuable defender.He remains the best defender I have seen over the past 50 years.

Graham Flynn - Keeps on keeping on in his usual efficient and effective manner.