ESSENDON coach Mark Thompson and teammate Brent Stanton have called on veteran Dustin Fletcher to play on to at least a 23rd season.
The 39-year old worked tirelessly in the Bombers' win over the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night, with 25 disposals, nine marks and seven rebound 50s and was an integral part of their second half resurgence.
The club’s games record holder has now played 384 games, behind only only Richmond legend Kevin Bartlett (403 games) and Hawthorn stalwart Michael Tuck (426) on the all-time list.
Thompson hoped "the old man" will play on for at least another season.
"He's just an outstanding player, certainly for his age," Thompson said.
"I can't see him retiring soon."
Teammate Brent Stanton also believes Fletcher still has a couple of seasons left in him, and hopes the Bombers can bring him on-field success in that time.
"Hopefully he can play on for a few more seasons and I hope we can reward him in some way either this year or next year," Stanton told AFL.com.au.
"I just hope he goes out of the game in the way that he wants to. We certainly won't be setting any limits on how long he can play for."
What is most critical now for the Bombers is that Fletcher passes on his expertise to young defenders Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker, who are still learning their craft.
"These blokes are really just feeding off Fletch," Stanton said.
"He's got so many years experience, I think everyday they come to training they just want to learn and suck as much information out of him as possible. Then they get inspired by what this guy can do week in and week out."
"I am astounded at how he keeps going. I'm 10 years younger and don't know how he keeps doing it. He's fantastic, he loves being around the younger players and I think that's what keeps him going to be honest.
"He loves to be around them, have a bit of fun, he doesn't take anything too seriously but when it's time to play, he plays."
