IF THE physical likeness doesn't convince you, then take Michael Hurley's word for it.

The second coming of 400-game Essendon legend Dustin Fletcher – his 197cm son Mason – is eerily similar, in more ways than one, to the original. 

There's the red hair, the 'go-go Gadget' arms, the stick-thin frame, the rounded back and shoulders, the long kicking, the fact he excels most in defence, and the uncanny knack for reading the play better than most.

Possibly the only difference is Mason's flowing locks, given his dad prefers a more closely cropped look, especially nowadays. 

"If you were to get him to shave his head, you'd mistake the two," Hurley said. 

"Same size, same shape, same attributes – really great young kid as well – so it's really exciting to have him around for the next couple of weeks and hopefully he can develop a fair bit."

The newest Fletcher, almost certain to be a Bombers father-son selection in this year's draft, is training at his father's and grandfather Ken's old club at Tullamarine for the next fortnight.

Ken represented Victoria, won Essendon's 1978 best and fairest and played 264 games, while Dustin was the Bombers' 2000 club champion and won two flags and was twice All Australian.

Mason, who turns 18 in April, plays for Aberfeldie, TAC Cup club Calder Cannons and Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School (PEGS).

He made 10 appearances last year for the Cannons and featured in the best players three times, as well as representing Vic Metro.

Mason has played back, forward and in the ruck for his junior sides.

His younger brother, Max, is also progressing through the ranks at Calder and Aberfeldie.

Mason Fletcher leaps for a mark at Tullamarine on Friday. Picture: Adam Trafford, AFL Photos

Fletcher shows off a familiar kicking style. Picture: Adam Trafford, AFL Photos

Fletcher takes part in a drill with Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti. Picture: Adam Trafford, AFL Photos