Studying in the surrounds of an AFL Club is already handy – learning off a 400-game legend of said Club makes for a fair bonus. 

That’s the reality for students with the Essendon Education Academy (EEA), who gain hands-on experience and guidance from former Dons great Dustin Fletcher.

Continuing his post-career involvement with the Club as an ambassador and Football Development Lead with the program, Fletcher oversees the progress of students when undertaking their footy sessions but also provides a wise head in all aspects of their study.

Through the EEA and in addition to the football development area, students enjoy 100 hours of work placement in different administration and football departments within Essendon Football Club and take on a dual Diploma in Business (BSB50120) and Leadership and Management (BSB50420) via RMIT University.

Staying involved with the Club which hosted his stellar 23-year playing career, Fletcher spoke to essendonfc.com.au about his passion for his role in the EEA program and the flourishing environment he’s helping to create for students seeking out work in the sports industry. 

Fletcher on… the program

The EEA program - especially when we get out into the game development sessions - is exciting, there's no doubt about that. 

All the students - from an inclusive point of view - feel safe, valued, everyone’s voices are heard, so we have a pretty open policy in that regard. 

We’re always out having a few laughs as a group and we really enjoy getting into the game development side of things, so it's been quite an enjoyable experience within the program. 

The main impact that the program has on the students and the things that I like to do when we get out there is just everyone being involved, everyone engaging in the program.

Talent wise, we’ve got students of all different ability levels - some with high-end talent and others who are just beginning to learn about sport and football. What’s great is seeing them all engage, work hard, and help each other improve. That’s what makes it such an enjoyable experience.

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Fletcher on… the impact of an elite environment 

I think that the students get the best out of it when they're in this environment, where they're happy learning and they're developing their confidence, their footy ability and their general wellbeing also.

When you walk into the footy club environment, and especially a professional organisation like Essendon, it’s a massive positive for the students. 

I look at it in three ways. The first part's obviously the study and the work that the students do in the classroom, they're able to do that really well under the guidance of RMIT Teaching Staff.

Then there’s their 100 placement hours in specific areas that they get a lot of enjoyment and professional growth out of.

Then there’s the third part, you know, we get out there and get involved in in some great games – the sessions can get a little bit competitive at times and that’s great – it’s a great opportunity to develop their teamwork, leadership and game sense. 

Really, it’s those three factors of the process, which, together, make the EEA experience so effective. 

Fletcher on… building into the future

It’s been great to see the program grow year-on-year and to watch students come out of their shell.

For me in my role, I notice the growth in confidence in the students as they get involved in the football sessions, that's a big one for me. Along with EEA staff, we see this growth in confidence carry through to how they study and present themselves in the workplace. 

From when they first walk in the building and they’re a little bit quiet and not sure about things, to getting out on the field and embracing placement opportunities on gamedays has been really good.

That helps with their confidence. 

The two main ones I feel that the kids are striving towards is that leadership and their teamwork, on and off-field. They obviously need to get out in the work force and study, and what we teach in both study, placements and the footy program helps them apply everything where they need.

Fletcher’s influence continues to extend beyond the field, helping shape the next generation of professionals ready to make their mark in sport, in business, and in life. 

Know someone this program would be perfect for? Get in touch with our friendly Essendon Education Academy Team to learn more. Applications to join the EEA in 2026 are currently open. Secure your spot today!