2003
Injuries and suspension resulted in Dustin Fletcher only playing 14 games last season. In the appearances he did make he starred at his trademark position - fullback. One of his best performances came in Round 2 against Melbourne. Fletcher kept the 2002 Coleman Medallist, David Neitz, to just one goal - which was kicked in the fourth quarter. The statistics prove that the side performs better with Fletcher in the side. His omission in the semi final against Port Adelaide for the second successive year, proved costly to the team.
STRENGTHS
Fletcher’s main strengths are his kicking and his uncanny ability to get to contests he seems well and truly out of. Kicking out from full back is arguably the most difficult job in football and Fletcher does it as well as any. And while his legs work well his arms do as well, particularly when it comes to spoiling opposition forwards. Time and again opposition forward will seemingly have their name written all over a mark just for Fletcher’s fist to arrive in a knick of time.
POSITION
While Fletcher has spent time in the forward 50m and done so to reasonable effect, there is little doubt that he is most value to the side at full back. Not only is his kicking and spoiling invaluable, but his experience and coolness gives those around him a sense of confidence.
2004
It is no secret how important Dustin Fletcher is to the success of the Essendon team. Therefore he will be aiming to stay on the park this year after injury and suspension interrupted his 2003 season. With Fletcher holding down fullback and more often than not taking the oppositions best forward, it gives defenders such as Sean Wellman and Scott Lucas the opportunity to give the team drive out of backline. Fletcher is crucial to the success of Essendon in 2004.
WHAT SHEEDY SAYS
With Dustin Fletcher we need to get to the finals and keep him in the team. It has been disappointing by Dustin and he knows he owes the team, the club and his own self. He really needs to play a good season now. In many ways the suspension has probably held him back from being a leader. It is the awkwardness of being six foot six and having arms and legs everywhere – it is hard for me to talk about what you can and should do because I have never been that tall or that fast. He really has to make sure he pays the fans back and his teammates back by having a fantastic year.
To watch Fletcher in action this season make sure you purchase an Essendon membership. Click here to find out how you can be part of the team.
