Vintage Dustin not dropping off

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THE whispering campaign started early about Dustin Fletcher this off-season.

At 38 and after just 13 games in 2013 was he still in Essendon's best team given Michael Hurley's new role in defence?

And after 21 seasons in the cult-like environment of an AFL club, did Fletcher need the routine of professional football more than Essendon needed him?

Fletcher's matchwinning role against the Western Bulldogs — parrying their every advance in the last quarter — had some pundits labelling it a performance out of the box.

Yet in fact it was just another vintage performance from a player who all year has been putting out performances at something close to career-best level.

Fletcher, 39 on Wednesday and needing 16 more games for 400 this year, is going from strength to strength.

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He won't beat old stager Vic Cumberland, who played for St Kilda at 43, but he will be the first 39-year-old to play since North Melbourne's Syd Barker in 1927.

Champion Data statistics show he is averaging the most disposals he has since 2007, with 20.3 a game.

His 25 disposals last night were his most since Round 14, 2012, with Fletcher ranking second in score chains (13) this year for Essendon behind only Jobe Watson.

And he has not lost his pace or his exquisite skills, kicking at 87 per cent effectiveness — high up in the elite category.

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He would need to play every home-and-away game to reach 400 this year, unlikely given he has played 20 games in a year only once since 2001.

But coach Mark Thompson made it clear after the win over the Western Bulldogs he won't be pensioning him out.

"Here we go again, talking about the old man. He was outstanding. He just won contests and in that last quarter positioned himself in some of the best spots,'' Thompson said.

"He's an outstanding player for his age and I can't see him retiring soon.''

Essendon's Michael Hurley opays homage to veteran teammate Dustin Fletcher after the win. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: News Corp Australia

Thompson said he had struck a pre-season deal with Fletcher to play him only if he deserved it, with the 38-year-old happy as long as he was definitely selected when in the best side.

"Fair deal,'' said Thompson.

Essendon assistant coach Simon Goodwin said playing on was a realistic goal for Fletcher next year.

"If he keeps playing the way he's playing he might play to 40. He has just been incredible. I thought last night he was clearly our best player,'' he told 3AW.

"I thought he was clearly our best player last night. He just keeps fighting on and finding a way and he's really giving to the team at the moment, which is what we want him to do.

"The game is allowing him to play the way he wants to play. There is no reason he can't go on the way he's playing but the game can catch up with you quickly.

"Dustin is aware of that. He wants to keep playing the way he is, and we will see where that takes him."

REAL OLD-TIMERS (OLDEST PLAYERS AND DATE OF LAST GAME)

43 years, 48 days — Vic Cumberland, St Kilda 1920

39 years, 296 days — Jack Leith, Melbourne 1912

39 years, 239 days — Syd Barker, Sr North Melbourne 1927

39 years, 180 days — Jim Flynn, Carlton 1910

39 years, 95 days — Ted Rowell, Collingwood 1915

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