This weekend Fletcher, 33, will play his 288th senior match and, along with father Ken’s contribution of 264 matches, the pair will break the all-time father-son games record – currently shared with Carlton pair Sergio and Stephen Silvagni.
But when asked about his long-term future, the man who was part of the Baby Bombers’ 1993 premiership said he could see the finish line.
"I reckon I can play next year, and I wouldn’t be going too far after that because, you know my body’s still feeling pretty good at the moment but, you know when you get into your 30s …" Fletcher said.
"I still enjoy the game, mentally I think I’m still with it and enjoying it and physically I’m not too bad as well.
"But I think next year will nearly be it I reckon."
Fletcher is contracted until the end of 2008 but said he would have no problems signing a one-year deal at the end of the year should the Bombers offer him one.
While a teenage Fletcher came into an Essendon side that immediately tasted success, he is likely to leave one that is part of a re-building phase.
But for now he is more than happy to play his part in helping the next batch of Baby Bombers develop.
"I think I’ve just got to help the younger guys along because I’ve had a bit of success obviously in my first year in ’93 and also in 2000 … I think it’s up to me to help these younger guys," he said.
"You want to see the club going the right way and heading back up there, so that’s what I see I’ll be doing next year."
But firstly, Fletcher and his teammates are looking forward to tackling an in-form Carlton at what should be a packed MCG on Sunday – the same venue and side in which an 18-year-old Fletcher tasted premiership success in his first year of AFL footy.
And, by fate or by stroke of luck in the Fletchers’ 552nd AFL appearance, they take over the Silvagnis' record against their old club.
"Obviously having the Silvagnis being such great players at Carlton and being really nice people, I suppose it’s funny how it works," Fletcher said.
While reluctant to buy into any debate as to whether he is a better player than his father, the ever-reliable defender said it was an honour to take over the record from some of the most esteemed names in the history of league football.
"You look at some of the names … Silvagnis … obviously myself and Dad, the Tucks, the Whittens … there’s some big names there," he said.
"I suppose to be recognised … is a pretty big thing I think, yeah."
