ESSENDON defender Dustin Fletcher has no plans for retirement and expects to play on beyond next season. Fletcher, who turns 34 in May, was confident his body could stand the rigors of a 17th season.

"I'm still enjoying it and if I'm still getting a kick, I'll keep on soldiering on," Fletcher said.

"I'll make a call on that when it needs to happen, but I'm feeling really good and it's all been going well."

Fletcher was re-signed on a one-year deal in the middle of last season.

He is buoyed by the prospects of key defenders Tayte Pears and draftee Michael Hurley.

"Having Mal (Michael) there last season obviously helped," Fletcher said.

"Hurls is a pretty good size for a young kid. Then we've got Tayte Pears, and he's looking pretty good training-wise.

"Darcy Daniher is the other one, too, that's back into training, so, there are three or four guys there that can step into fullback.

"With the way the game's going, it gives you a bit of a mental break, playing that deep back position. I'd be happy if they fill back there or float around the backline.

"Reading the play is one of my assets, so it helps having other options."

Fletcher returned with the team from a training camp in Coffs Harbour on Tuesday. He said there was a positive feeling about the team's prospects.

"We went away for six days and the boys got to learn quite a bit in regards to strategy and different plays we're going to use," Fletcher said.

"It was pretty physical because it's been warm. But it was also mentally tough, going back into the classroom as such and doing two- to three-hour meetings, so it's been a bit of a change for us all."

Fletcher said he was on a modified program, which helped rejuvenate his tall frame.

Like many defenders, he found himself on the receiving end of a Lance Franklin barrage last season and expects the Hawks spearhead to kick another 100 goals.

"It's pretty hard to kick a ton, but you're dealing with a player who's pretty much got everything," Fletcher said.

"It'll be interesting to see how he goes in backing such a good year up. No doubt he's got the ability to do it.

"Once you come up against him, you know you're in for a big day. It'll be tough, but, in saying that, he's got a freakish type of ability, so, he probably could kick another 100."


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http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24847020-19742,00.html

You guys reckon this will be his last season...?

i hope not, his a legend and would like him to keep playing so long as he is playing well.

I like him sometimes, but hate him other times.

But all in all, He is an AFL player and I think they deserve to play for as long as they can.

I just hate him tripping people, he doesnt learn.

He's Finished IMO

Nah

He's form is still good.

Hopefully he's dream team price finaly drops this year

Good on you fletcher

Yeah, all AFL players deserve to play as long as possible - unless they play for Port

Nah, only joking.

Good luck to him!

lol

He is a crows supporter he had to say that.

If he was not a crows supporter he would not have said it lol,