He has been the cornerstone of the Essendon defence for more than a decade and Dustin Fletcher has once again received high praise from Bomber fans for his efforts in holding down the toughest job in footy – full back. But despite playing 20 games in 2004, six more than 2003, supporters still felt Fletcher flirted with the tribunal too often.

2004

Games – 20
Goals – 1
Kicks – 220
Marks – 70
Handballs – 42

2004 Fan’s ranking: 6.47 / 10

2003

Games – 14
Goals – 0
Kicks – 145
Marks – 44
Handballs – 34

2003 Fan’s ranking: 6.68 / 10

""Reasonable year shortened by injury. Was a consistent performer in 2004 season and played several awesome games."" Jackson Saunders

""Like a bottle of red wine - improves with age. 'Fletch' gets better every year and is the engine room of the Essendon defence. His guts and determination at Subiaco (v WCE) when he had his teeth knocked and 40,000 fans booing and jeering him. To come back on and play was indicative of how much this guy loves the red & black."" Gordan Gasparovic

""Inspector gadget was as reliable as ever this year on the backline. Had a couple of bad games but what else can you expect when your facing the best forward week in week out. He still hasn't lost his incredible touch and those huge kicks down the ground were magnificent."" Phil Perry

""I believe Dustin had an average year. He has struggled over the last few years with injuries and suspensions, which has stricken his ability to drive the Bombers into attack. He is still a very valuable player to the Essendon defence and for it to be a premiership hope in 2005. The ‘gadget man’ must stand up and make it his best season ever."" Glenn Currie

""Was criticised during the year for poor performances but Dustin remains a pivotal ingredient to a functioning back six. I think he plays best when he's providing run out of the back line as he did in the game against Port Adelaide."" Robert Lorenzetto

""Can be missed severely when out through suspension. Would love him to play every game for team balance. Has a great career in the NFL when finishes at EFC."" Peter Ridgway

""If only someone could help him control those long, waving arms! Did better this year in tribunal terms! Otherwise a brilliant year - what would our backline do without him!"" Anne Clarke

""Appears to be trying hard to curb his sometimes reckless ways, but is still risking things a little too much at times. That said he is still playing as well as ever when he plays. Might only have a couple of years left, so needs to really help the development of our next full back."" Michael Wyres