Interim Essendon Coach Matthew Egan says Dustin Fletcher tried his best to play a farewell game but in the end he ruled himself out.
Fletcher has announced his retirement after 400 games and two premierships with the Bombers.
“We wanted to give him every chance, someone like Fletch, I think he deserves that right,” Egan said.
“The last few weeks he’s really tried to push his rehab and see if he can get to the level.
“He probably just didn’t get close enough to even consider being selected.
“In the end it came down to Fletch and he just didn’t get up for it.”
Fletcher is the most watched player in AFL history.
He has been one of the few constants as the industry has undergone significant change over the last two decades.
“Hopefully he does something (to say goodbye) on Sunday and if not we just respect his decision,” Egan said.
“A few of my mates from Geelong didn’t do anything, it’s just their personality so hopefully he does something. But I think we just respect Fletch and leave that up to him.
“It would be great for the fans, obviously a 400 game (future) Hall of Famer.”
Throughout his career, Fletcher has played on some of the best forwards the game has seen including Ablett, Dunstall, Carey, Modra and Lockett.
“His positioning on his direct opponent I think is the best I’ve ever seen,” Egan said.
“He could play in front 20 metres and still be able to get back and spoil. He’d know who to play behind, how to adjust.”
Egan also praised the work Fletcher has done with his teammates.
“He’s not a really loud speaker in meetings, but he’s a little bit like Matt Scarlett at Geelong, when they speak every single person listens," he said.
“He’s obviously got great knowledge and he’s someone that will pull players aside and talk to them one on one.
“Often on the track you just see him having a quiet conversation with a young player and trying to educate them.
“I’ve used him as an educator just to help our young players, 400 games experience if you’re not using that then you’re missing out on some key things.”
