News

Fletcher eyes coaching role

Tuesday, 7 February 2012
Staff writers for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

Essendon veteran Dustin Fletcher has signalled his ambitions to coach AFL once his playing days are over, with the 36-year-old set to take on a greater responsibility within Essendon's coaching staff.

Fletcher will assist in the development of the younger defenders at Essendon, both on match-day and during the week at training.

General manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said the increased role for the 36-year-old defender is an exciting prospect for the club.

"We are trying to make the most of the skill set that Fletch has got now that he is into his twentieth year of AFL football," Hamilton said.

"We think he the characteristics of a good coach and we are giving him opportunities to develop those coaching elements.

"Fletch already does this, but as an on-field leader he will help to direct the other young defenders both off the track and on game day."

Fletcher is entering his twentieth year at the top level and needs to play just three more senior games to reach the magical 350 game milestone.

“Twenty years as a player in this day and age is a remarkable effort, his resilience is unbelievable and he is just a player that you can rely on,” Hamilton said.

“I think the most important thing is he is just a terrific footballer who is so reliable and his teammates look up to him.

“We all look up to him at the club and hope he can be part of a successful back line and team in the future.”

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PLAYER PROFILE: Dustin Fletcher

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The ENVY of every other Club we will be,with OUR dear Fletch staying on with our Club,when he finally calls it a day,after he breaks KB's record... he he... Never a chance to be poached by anyone... Will we keep him on the vet's list,so he can do a "King Richard" comeback in a GF ??!! Well done Fletch, Hammer and our EFC for this announcement. Inspirational :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 7/02/2012 2:39:24 AM)

A couching role and 350 games for Fletch, Hille looking fit a bigger and stronger Essendon. This just keeps getting better abd better. My pledge to Flight Plan we be made soon. Philip.

- Philip Butler (posted 7/02/2012 2:48:35 AM)

Dustin Fletcher staying at Essendon.Great news.

- Garry Donaldson (posted 7/02/2012 7:20:22 AM)

Great initiative, will secure Dustin's future at the club, dot the i's, cross the t's, make it official and, as the AFL have set a precedent with GWS & their 4 "playing coaches" make sure that Dustin can enter the playing arena even when he is not playing for any reason..

- Mark McLachlan (posted 7/02/2012 7:57:59 AM)

Well done fletch!!! Ypu really are a susperstar and you will always be remembered as one the the greatest modern day players ever. Well done champ.

- Rolf Buchner (posted 7/02/2012 8:05:59 AM)

Fletch.....what a legend. Hope you go another year because I think one more is required for glory with this young group!!

- Andrew Michajlow (posted 7/02/2012 8:35:11 AM)

i new all long that he will be a coach

- MARK JONES (posted 7/02/2012 9:44:07 AM)

What a dream come true for Essendon. Couldn't have wished for better news at the beginning of our season. Things just keep getting better & better. EFC you are moving ahead in giant leaps. I welcome your courage & commitment. Thank you

- Gail Taylor (posted 7/02/2012 10:22:06 AM)

Fletcher will make a fantastic full-time coach when he hangs up the boots in 2016 or so. No frills, seen it all, immensely respected, and a backman!

- Kris Bayne (posted 7/02/2012 10:39:11 AM)

Is that a muscle i see on Fletch's arm?(haha). Best defender to ever walk the planet, bar none!! Good luck in season 20 fella!!

- Chris Litchfield (posted 7/02/2012 10:52:57 AM)

Essendon has had the advantage of prior knowledge here, so should take steps to offer assistant roles early rather than lose him to the assistant coach merry-go-round which has seen great club names like Daniher, Harvey, Thompson, O'Donnell ultimately leave the club for other pastures (luckily we got Thompson back). Names like Bewick, Berbakov, Wallis, Caracella and others have treaded that path. Let's not risk Fletcher to that. Sign him now.

- Wesley Hull (posted 7/02/2012 11:23:53 AM)

Flecth, you're an inspiration. Legend.

- Mark Perrett (posted 7/02/2012 11:28:07 AM)

Impossible not to love this guy!

- Duncan Eastey (posted 7/02/2012 11:38:47 AM)

Only a commonsense decision. Well done, Gadget, a legend in your own time.

- alec shiffman (posted 7/02/2012 11:39:58 AM)

The players Fletcher played with in the 93 GF. Hird, Thompson, Harvey, O'Donnell, Long, Wallis. His team mates who around the same age he played alongside. Fletcher born 75, Hird 73, Wanganeen 73, Calthorpe 73, Olarenshaw 73, Mercuri 74, Misiti 74, Hills 72. Being a defender, he would have battered and bruised his body. Pushing opposition players out of the way, stretching those go gadget arms constantly throughout the game. Getting crashed into by opposition players. He has done this for over 36 years at the highest level. Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 7/02/2012 11:40:39 AM)

Dustin, you are a true champion and a gentleman of the game. All bomber fans, take their hat off to you. As a teenager, I went and watched his father Ken play at Windy Hill for many years. Now I am watching his son Dustin. Wont be long and I will be going to the footy watching Dustins kids play for our great club. This is why we have a great club and the tradition we have, makes me so proud to be an Essendon member. Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 7/02/2012 11:42:49 AM)

what a champ you are Dustin.-Kaz.T

- Karen Tempany (posted 7/02/2012 11:49:39 AM)

dustin is essendon thru and thru. very happy he will continue to be part of the mighty bombers...i reckon he is the best no 31 since geoff pryor made a comeback.

- Charlie Monforte (posted 7/02/2012 12:08:26 PM)

One thing you cannot buy or teach in footy is experience,Fletch has more then most and his knowledge will be invaluable. This is a great move,Inspirational,as Noel called it. Bradley,do you think the Redblack Spider is who I think it is,I hope so,and if so,welcome back. :-)

- Bill Carbis (posted 7/02/2012 12:22:28 PM)

Well done Fletch you are a true champion and great person! you are an inspiration to all players! you have shown what hard work and dedication can do, i would love to see you play in another premiership that would top off your distinguished career one of the all time greats!! go bombers

- robert anderson (posted 7/02/2012 12:26:47 PM)

Call me sentimental, but wouldn't it be ripper if Fletch were still playin in 2013 when we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 1993 Baby Bombers Premiership?

- Johann Sebastian-Wilson (posted 7/02/2012 12:31:08 PM)

Yes Noel. Another "King Richard" comeback would be fantastic. Great news re Dustin, he's the best!!!!

- Jeanette Jennings (posted 7/02/2012 1:26:51 PM)

Let's hope so Mr.C. Redblack appeared briefly this time last year, sadly disappeared to maybe procreate? A comment about the bearded Mr. Lee, i think it isin another story sounds very much like the clever (and deadly) female species.

- Brad Scarr (posted 7/02/2012 1:27:23 PM)

Fletcher - everything about this champion has been said / will continue to be said, while he is involved with our great game. Fletcher - a future coach.....

- Victor Tallis (posted 7/02/2012 1:29:29 PM)

Let's hope so Mr.C. Redblack appeared briefly this time last year, sadly disappeared to maybe procreate? A comment about the bearded Mr. Lee, (I think it is) in another story sounds very much like the clever (and deadly) female species.

- Brad Scarr (posted 7/02/2012 1:29:42 PM)

Fletcher - nothing would be more exciting than Dustin holding up his third AFL CUP before he retires..... GO BOMBERS!!!!!

- Victor Tallis (posted 7/02/2012 2:09:00 PM)

Have a great season, Dustin. You've done the EFC proud over the years and it's pleasing to read that you are likely to be an active and influential presence at the club long after your AFL playing days are over.

- Redblack Spider (posted 7/02/2012 2:35:04 PM)

The Legend continues....

- Adrian Reynolds (posted 7/02/2012 2:39:01 PM)

even after 20 years he still amazes with what he can do another bomber champion!!!

- Peter O'Meara (posted 7/02/2012 2:45:32 PM)

Thanx heaps Bill, dvd's are awesome

- Mark McLachlan (posted 7/02/2012 3:35:07 PM)

Let's get excited, we just can't hide it I'm about to lose control and I think I like it I'm so excited and I just can't hide it I know I know I know I know I know I want you, I want you

- Karen Tempany (posted 7/02/2012 3:51:58 PM)

No worries Mark, and Bradley,I heard you the first time :-)

- Bill Carbis (posted 7/02/2012 4:22:28 PM)

fletch 500 games before retirement ?

- Ian Welsh (posted 7/02/2012 4:48:29 PM)

fletch is living proof that bodies in the afl longer to develop than others.... 20 years and we have biceps lol not that it ever held him back

- Ian Welsh (posted 7/02/2012 4:50:00 PM)

hey guys and gals dreamteam league 137817 is now accepting bomber forum users

- Ian Welsh (posted 7/02/2012 4:56:16 PM)

Well Done Diane and Congrats with your post being selected to be on our Home Page !! Been many wonderful Members/Supporters selected before you,enough to start up our "Forum Friends Hall Of Fame" Club... Name changers need not apply... :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 7/02/2012 6:21:30 PM)

I would expect nothing less from EFC, it is a fitting tribute to a footy legend don't ever let him go. Love the Fletch always reaching the unreachable, may he be inspirational to the young guns in the team.

- Maria Zampogna (posted 7/02/2012 6:25:29 PM)

Great work Fletch - cant wait to see you holding down the backline again this year. Such a great man I placed Fletcher into the midle of my newly born sons name last week. Liam Fletcher Scott. :)

- Stuart Scott (posted 7/02/2012 7:33:52 PM)

Apologies Mr.C. I-phones!! As for Fletch, #1 students, Tayte, Dyson, Mark Baguely, Cale, Jake C, Paddy, DM, Hal, even Gumby and Tommy should already be looking up at you. You have always taught and led. Footballers and coaches Australia wide should aspire to you Fletch. If Mitch Robinson even walks towards you this year, I'm jumping the fence!

- Brad Scarr (posted 7/02/2012 7:35:12 PM)

Looking forward to seeing the Essendon team's elder statesman around the club for at least another 20 years. PS. "We all look up to him at the club...." Except for Hille and Bellchambers (who are taller) and Carlisle (who can look him in the eye).

- Jennifer Herrald (posted 7/02/2012 9:57:54 PM)

Fletch. mate, and changing the momentum of the game from the backline!time and again. The commitment, & dedication to be the best, always,you are an absolute inspirational Black & Red "Force". Please keep those young fellows under your wing, because it is paying, as was seen by their "Fletcher bursts" last season.Have a great injury free year Fletch. You are a legend, and well respected.

- Graeme Coad (posted 7/02/2012 10:17:25 PM)

This LEGEND has been coaching our boys for the last 3 years or more. It is only a formality now as well as preparing us for his retirement which surely is now around the corner. Sad but at least he will stay on with the club in his coaching capacity which is great.

- Alan De Menezes (posted 7/02/2012 10:39:36 PM)

Dustin Fletcher is an Essendon Champ just like his father Ken, its been wonderful to watch them both. He has been the lynchpin of our backline since he started. It would be awesome if he could play for 36 years Diane, at an average of 18 a season that would be 657 games ...now that would be Bomber heaven and well past Tucks record...but you never know the way he just keeps going on you might be on to something there.

- Wayne Purcell (posted 7/02/2012 11:23:58 PM)

Well thats a nice surprise Noel,thanks.I never read that bit on our homepage,always go straight to reading about the boys.A nice litttle surprise.Stuart,your son will have to be a little bomber now.I am sure he will carry the name with pride,love the name by the way.I also have a nephew Liam,so great name.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 8/02/2012 9:03:21 AM)

High time ths great was shown the respect he has earned over such a long period, but what's new, he has been doing the same for years, watch his games, he is always directing traffic, go there, run with him, pick that bloke up, said it before and got shot at, Lloyd wasn't doing the same, and that my friends is why this wonderful player is going to leave a whacking great hole when he goes, deserves every possible accolade, the bloke is pure 24 carat gold,loves to play,but never concedes one centimetre, best club man in living memory.

- Max Rodwell (posted 8/02/2012 10:19:45 AM)

I hope that you are playing the full season on the forum this year Jen H. Not just a pre-season like last year!

- Brad Scarr (posted 8/02/2012 10:24:11 AM)

Hope this is not a message that this is his last year as a player, surely he must do an apprenticeship of 3 years and remain a player as part of his studies.. PLEASE....

- Mark McLachlan (posted 8/02/2012 10:59:59 AM)

A true legend of the club and will always be. A true inspiration to all players of the club and will make a great assistant coach to Jimmy! GO BOMBERS!

- Benjamin Graymore (posted 8/02/2012 11:06:13 AM)

Hi there Brad. In 2011 I delisted myself from the EFC site but have returned to take part in 2012 pre-season commenting with the possibility of self-selection into the official Bomber community for the full playing year. I appreciate receiving your camaraderie handball. In fact, I got a kick out of it and scored a goal.

- Jennifer Herrald (posted 8/02/2012 1:28:14 PM)

Fletch the player, Fletch the champion, Fletch the legend, and Fletch the Immortal.

- Cory Williams (posted 8/02/2012 1:31:01 PM)

AFL Hall of Famer... we are loooking at him... The most underrated player for the last decade... I sit in amazment every time I was this gentleman play this great game

- John Blore (posted 8/02/2012 1:52:36 PM)

Welcome back Jennifer,hope the forums comeback is fruitful & successful :-) Nice pick up Wayne,nearly fell off my chair when I realised Fletch had played for 36 yrs,felt older all of a sudden.. he he he... :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 8/02/2012 2:33:27 PM)

Tim Watson, Gary Ablett, Fish Salmon..... Your return to the fold is so so overdue. Who better than Fletch to coax you into pulling the boots back on after a self imposed lay off. Made my day JH!

- Brad Scarr (posted 8/02/2012 5:16:55 PM)

Thank you Noel. Good to read you again. I have on my Kyle Reimers-esque fancy footwear, my hair is Dyson Heppel unruly and I return with the excited enthusiasm of a youthful Bomber rookie.

- Jennifer Herrald (posted 9/02/2012 8:39:21 AM)

Try and keep playing Dustin as long as I did and you will end up a supreme champion similar to dazz. Will ask KS one day why he bypassed me in 24 drafts,but it did not dent my confidence in myself or my ability.. boy what a career... oh and GO Fletch !! regards dazz

- Bob (dazz,kazz & ray.b) Davies (posted 9/02/2012 4:24:40 PM)

Here's a story of a girl names Kazz. Who was bringing purple jumpers off the line. All of them had holes and big large grass stains. The smallest one,no name Here's a story,of a man named Dazz Who was busy with three jumpers of his own,they were three cosy jumpers,yet they were all alone. Till one day when Dazz met Kazz And they knew it was much more than a hunch.That this purple,footy loving family.Would somehow become the Davies Bunch.The Davies Bunch,poor old Bob,had no say in the Davies Bunch.

- Diane Trask (posted 9/02/2012 11:42:17 PM)

I just love Dustin Fletcher,reminds me so much of the career span of my bobby,but in all honesty,Dustin just pips bobby in ability.. I love your poem Diane T,you are nice to my bobby and I appreciate that very much,girls seem to know these things. Still upset bobby has deserted me again,with this kazz,when I get him home,might have him fixed to stop the walkabouts and name changes..He needs to settle down with me... Have a WONDERFUL year you Bomber Boys,and Tassie,send my boy back home.. Regards to all.. Marg XXX

- M. Dickson-Davies (posted 10/02/2012 12:54:24 PM)