I doubt he will play 22 next year, but he will play a few.
Even at his age he's better than the 40th kid on the list, so there's no reason to get rid of him.
And the way lists are, and the injury rates as they are, you can't say he's keeping a kid out of the team, because there's always a spot because there's always someone out.
#Fletchlives
i reckon he would do well to be our playing coach in 2014 , a bit of nostalgia .
and while we are at it ......move him to chf instead of davey .
Personally I believe he needs to retire gracefully and become the back-line coach . Do a "Mark Taylor" History will judge that greater than say playing 388 games and finishing with a struggle .
If his form drops away does he suffer the ignominy of being dropped and playing VFL to regain form ? Or do they just rest him to save embarrassment and recall someone in the 2s who apparently is his "understudy" ? But then how does he regain form plus how would the understudy feel about it ?
And if it does go pear shaped does he get the tap to say thanks and we don't want you to be running around in the 2's and call the the dreaded mid season press conference? I'm not saying it will happen but the signs are there and if it does there will be no winners either way.
One could see It was slowly starting to ebb away this year...the opposition made him run more , dragged him up the ground , took him to space put pressure on his fitness and body and there will be more of that next year . As good as he is he will not get better and look how dispiriting it was to see the champs Lucas and Lloyd both go down hill with no way to get up watching nobodies beat them and run off them and basically expose their decline.
ATM his position is as confusing as everything else at the club. I don't want him to do a "Ricky Ponting" , who just wouldn't go and no one had the courage to tell him so when it all eventually fell over he had been embarrassed by nobodies and the team had no one ready to replace him ...so there were no winners , other than a bunch of ■■■■ bowlers who now brag about his scalp.
just sayin
Dustin Fletcher has announced that he will be 'having a crack next year' to the jubilation of the #CrichtonMedal audience. #gofletch #godons
Go Fletch
<span style="font-size:24px;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Dustin Fletcher re-signs</strong></span></span>
Essendon Football Club is delighted to announce the incredible career of veteran, Dustin Fletcher, is set to continue after the evergreen defender committed to the Club for the 2014 season.
The 38 year-old announced his contract extension in front of 1500 guests at tonight‘s Crichton Medal count at Crown Palladium.
Entering his 22nd season, Dustin currently sits equal with Simon Madden on 378 games and is now destined to become the club‘s games record holder next year.
“To be honest missing the last couple of games this year made me really hungry to play again in 2014,†said Fletcher.
“I‘ve said it before, but to be able to come to the club and work with 40 of your mates and play footy for a living is a great job.â€
“Breaking the club‘s games record wasn‘t a motivating factor for me. The body is feeling good, I‘ve still got my speed and we‘ve got a great group of players here.â€
“While I can still contribute and play my role for the team I want to keep playing.â€
Assistant coach Simon Goodwin said the experience of a dual premiership player and All-Australian in the backline was invaluable.
“As has been the case the past couple of seasons, the decision to play on was entirely up to Fletch,†Goodwin said.
“It‘s great to have Dustin sign on for next year, he‘s a highly respected member of our playing group and he brings so much experience to the group, and is a terrific teacher and mentor for our defenders.â€
List manager Adrian Dodoro said it was great to have a legend of the club continue for another year.
“To be able to line up for 22 seasons is an incredible effort and it says so much about his durability but also his ability to adapt to the game which has changed so much over the course of his career,†Dodoro said.
“He is a great reader of the play, still has his speed and that inner determination to beat his opponent at every contest."
http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/2013-10-02/dustin-fletcher-resigns
Nice to see Fletch well into his 3rd nine year deal 
Oh the humanity.Dustin Fletcher re-signs
http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/2013-10-02/dustin-fletcher-resigns
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NeaJvdW670[/youtube]
bowing down to fletch legend !
long as they manage him if hes nursing something and give him a few breaks he should be fine
Fletcherr!!! Hahaha, great news!
Can anyone confirm he knocked back a 9 year, 10 million dollar offer from GWS?
Hey Caro - the exodus continues
EXODUS!
*Got it wrong I think…
For the 54788th time Fletch comes through for us when we need him. Looks like Cram will be wandering around the Sinai desert on his lonesome.
Needs more candid snaps of him running laps at Windy Hill.
Nearly cried with joy when I saw this. Seriously. Oh, hang on. Now I am...
Can anyone confirm he knocked back a 9 year, 10 million dollar offer from GWS?
Actual quote from from Fletch last night referring to Franklin's deal with Sydney in comparison to his own new contract.
"It would be nice if it was nine or $10 million, but ... I'm just happy with the loose change they have left over,"
:lol:
Hey “Peter Costello” there were about 1500 of us at Crown last night who strongly disagree with your post
HAVE A SHOT