Fletcher 2013/14 and beyond

[fishardansin]

For me, I just feel privileged to have watched Gadget in Primary, Secondary School and post school.

When he made his debut, Elliott Kavanagh, Jackson Merrett and Nick O'Brien were born so that's one indication of his longevity.

[youtube]vX07j9SDFcc[/youtube]

 

[Keystone agony]

Our most durable tall defender.
Even at age 43.

He hasnt been durable for the past 10 years. Maybe you have a different view of durability but playing 16 out of 22 games each year isnt durable. His durability is overrated because he continues to go on and on. He has great longevity. Hasnt played over 20 games in his career in a H&A season.

I cant see Hird telling him "no more". Just dont think it will happen if Fletch wants to go on. If it does it wouldnt surprise me to see Sheedy sart sniffing around for some media publicity in drafting an old timer he loves to GWS even if it is for one year to teach the youth.

I could cope with a big send off in front of a big crowd in a final getting defeated by a Hawthorn, Pies or Calrton team (listed because they will bring big crowds/sell outs) have everyone stay behind for a lap of honour.

 

[Hurls_18]

In all seriousness, I would love for him to be there as long as he can (provided he is playing as well as he is, he wants to and the club wants him there). His experience and skill is invaluable. I haven't seen an Essendon team without Fletch, so it's a foreign feeling to me (and alot of people too I'd imagine). On the flip side, Fletch has been nothing short of a champion of the EFC and too be honest I wouldn't want him retiring on a sour note because he went on a year too long. Although it would feel bloody strange for a while, I wouldn't mind seeing him outside of the EFC gates so he can spend some more quality time with his loved ones after playing such a selfless role for Essendon over the past 18(?) seasons.

 

[Bombers36]

Beyond

dont retire in 2013, dont retire in 2014, play 2015 - and he will - mark my words

 

[table tennis]

This will be it.

Showed signs of slowing down last year.

Just hope that he doesn't play one too many. Like brad johnson.

 

[Slattery_20]

He hasnt been durable for the past 10 years. Maybe you have a different view of durability but playing 16 out of 22 games each year isnt durable. His durability is overrated because he continues to go on and on. He has great longevity. Hasnt played over 20 games in his career in a H&A season.

His durability is overrated because he keeps being durable?
Cretinous.

He is our most durable tall defender.

 

[Slattery_20]

I would expect he wouldn't announce his retirement before hand. Probably hear it on the radio on the way home if anything.
Not one for a circus.

 

[calyam]

Ive said it on big footy several times, he has a frame like M.Tuck. I know its a different era but having less muscle to lug around like he and Micheal Tuck would go along way towards them having such good durability and longevity as players.

Let him go untill he says so. As the collingwood poster stated, youth is over rated in these parts. Experienced blokes are some of the most important to a team (look at MFC last year), not just youth.

Fletch provides a hell of a lot more than what WE SEE on field. He is basically a playing assistant coach.. Why get rid of that in a hurry if he is going the same as last year.

It's a good point. Throw Kevin Bartlett into that group and I also think that Craig Bradley had a similar build and this probably helped him play as long as he did. Obviously there is a lot of luck involved as a reasonably serious injury once you get to your mid-30s effectively ends your career. But perhaps there is some benefit to having a lighter frame as you get a bit older.

 

[vast]

Yep those skinny types dont seem to lose their pace as well.

 

[mick7]

If he's playing as well as he has been, I don't care if he plays until he's 50.

+1 to this! Fletch was my first favourite player and still is my favourite, I reckon he can go on for a few more years considering last season he got AA.

 

[Old VFL AFL Game]

Good luck to Justin what ever he does do in 2012 and beyond, his a fine sports player and not many can reach the 350 milestone career cheers

 

[helicopter]

it will be his last year

 

[Slattery_20]

Good luck to Justin what ever he does do in 2012 and beyond, his a fine sports player and not many can reach the 350 milestone career cheers

His name's Duncan FFS.

 

[Kong]

it will be his last year

You said that last year.

 

[Kong]

His name's Duncan FFS.

Rubbish cricket coach.

 

[table tennis]

Love ya work S20

 

[H_Jase]

i hope the big bastard keeps playing until he's no longer in our best 22. legend!

 

[Towno78]

FFS, what is the point of this question?
He's what 37 turning 38? Isn't it pretty clear by now that Fletcher will stop playing footy when Fletcher decides he can't be arsed anymore or isn't up to it.

 

[bangaarbombers]

hey mate do you know if fletcher ever played up forward its says in 2000 and '96 he kicked 14 and 16 goals for the season good effort for a backman.

 

[Towno78]

hey mate do you know if fletcher ever played up forward its says in 2000 and '96 he kicked 14 and 16 goals for the season good effort for a backman.

Never extended stints. But Sheedy often liked to chuck him up there for 10 mins to a quarter just to mix things up (as was Sheedy's way). Wouldn't be many times he was chucked forward that he didn't kick at least 1 goal tbh

 

[Slattery_20]

He played one game up forward in 2000. Let's not speak any more of that.
Also played the odd stint in ruck.

 

[Lance Uppercut]

I'll never forget that 70 metre torpedo goal he kicked recently. A ****ing thing of beauty.

 

[yaco55]

Same form in 2012 as 2011 = retirement.

Best suited to playing on second rucks.

But the old guy could surprise.

 

[raskolnikov]

The thing is that when you're Fletcher's age you can lose your form almost overnight. One week he'll play a great game then the next week it's all over. That happened to Brad Johnson in his last season. Played out the second half of the season a shell of his former self.

 

[Slattery_20]

The thing is that when you're Fletcher's age you can lose your form almost overnight. One week he'll play a great game then the next week it's all over. That happened to Brad Johnson in his last season. Played out the second half of the season a shell of his former self.

He got knocked over by a drinks cart or something in pre-season.

You're spot on though. Doesn't take much.