If Lloyd kicked 100 goals it would be fair to assume the midfield clicked, the delivery was good and team success would logically follow. A similar conclusion could be reached if Hird won another Brownlow. When Hird fires the Bombers rarely lose. But above all this, supporters felt the inclusion of Fletcher was critical to the side winning. He missed too many games through suspension in 2002 and many fans felt it cost Essendon a top-four finish.
The statistics show that Essendon generally struggles when Fletcher is forced to watch games from the sidelines through either injury or suspension. Not only does his uncanny ability to make a contest leave opposition forwards wondering just how they will get their hands on the football, but his booming kick outs quickly turn defence into attack. He is clearly the best full back in the competition and it was laughable that he missed All Australian selection last season.
But as Essendon fans have told us, it is no good having the best full back in the country if he isn’t on the park. That is the challenge that confronts Fletcher in 2003. He must shut opposition players down within the rules of the game. But Fletcher doesn’t need to be told that – he has been around long enough and he is certain to be still hurting after the tribunal ruled he would watch last year’s semi-final clash with Port Adelaide from the stands. He might just have been the difference.
But all that is now in the past and Fletcher will be raring to go in 2003. He will finish 2002 on a high this Thursday night when he is presented with life membership of the club at the Annual General Meeting – remarkable when you consider he is only 27. This honor comes hot on the heels of the birth of his second son. Life is good and it will be just as good for Essendon supporters if Fletcher plays 22 home and away games in 2003.
