Fletcher will play game 321 on Saturday night when the Bombers meet Richmond in their annual Dreamtime at the 'G clash.
That figure will see him overtake great Dick Reynolds (320 matches) to become the second-longest serving player in Essendon’s history.
Only Simon Madden, with 378 matches, sits above Fletcher.
But the evergreen defender may well have Madden’s games record in his sights.
“You don't like to talk about it too much but if I could finish this year off well there is no reason why I can't play next year,” Fletcher told his club’s website this week.
“You take it year by year but, if everything goes all right, there might be another two (seasons) in me.
“I am still enjoying it so that is the main thing.”
Despite turning 35 earlier this month and being the oldest player in the competition, Fletcher isn’t thinking about retirement.
In fact he is showing no signs of slowing down and is arguably playing some of his best football.
Given his form - plus his enjoyment gleaned from helping groom the next generation of Bomber backmen such as Tayte Pears and Cale Hooker - the veteran has every right to be looking to the future.
“The good thing about it is that you have the young kids around and you are always coming into an environment where the young boys are up and about,” he said.
“At times, I only feel about 26-27 years old.”
Earlier this month, after Fletcher had just helped get the Bombers back on track by shutting down Hawk Jarryd Roughead in Essendon’s win, coach Matthew Knights was full of praise for his most-experienced player.
“He sets really high standards and he's very much a person and a player you can rely on,” Knights said.
“He's great to have around the club. I hope he discovers the fountain of youth and plays on for a long, long time.”
