FREAKISH Hawthorn forward Lance Franklin could be one of the game's all-time greats, says Essendon champion Dustin Fletcher.

Speaking at Windy Hill on Tuesday morning, Fletcher, who along with his father Ken will this weekend break the all-time father-son games record, said Buddy was well on track to join the likes of Gary Ablett and Wayne Carey as football's finest players.

“I’d have to say, just looking at the bloke … I dare say that he can be a Carey or he can be an Ablett as well,” Fletcher said.

“You know he’s going to be a little bit different because he’s got the speed, he seems to have the endurance and he’s definitely got the flair.

“So I think, you know when I’ve finished footy I’ll be sitting back watching a bloke that’s going to be a fair player.”

Fletcher started his career as a schoolboy back in 1993, and has played on some of the biggest names in AFL footy throughout a glittering 287-match career.

But he said one man stood out among the challenges – and highlights – of his career.

“As a kid, when I was growing up Gary Ablett … he was the top,” Fletcher said.

“For me to play on him in my first year when I was 17, 18 was probably the big thing because I saw him as just an absolute legend of the game.

“To be standing him over a few years was probably the big one.”

So how did Fletcher rate his performances on the man considered by many to be the most naturally gifted player of all time?

“He definitely kicked some goals on me,” Fletcher said.

“One day out at Skilled Stadium or Kardinia Park I think I held him to two goals … that was probably one of my best days.”