DUSTIN Fletcher is almost certain to become the third VFL-AFL player to reach 400 games, according to his father, Ken.

As the star Essendon defender gears himself for his 38th birthday on Tuesday, his dad - himself a 262-game player with the Bombers - is convinced he can emulate the feats of Michael Tuck and Kevin Bartlett and go beyond 400 games.





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"If he doesn't get injured and he keeps keen I honestly believe he could make 400 and be the third one ever,'' Ken Fletcher said yesterday. "Whether or not he wants to do it, that's up to Dustin.''



"If he's still getting a game and he's worthy of a game, I think he should play until he drops.''



Dustin Fletcher said he would return from his groin injury next week. He currently sits on 368 games.



"I'll be back here next Friday night and I'm looking forward to a big game (against Geelong),'' he said.



"You always get reminded that 378 (is Essendon's record) and Bartlett and Tuck are up over 400 but we'll see how we go in the next eight to 10 games.''



Ken Fletcher joked that he would love to negotiate a three-year contract for his son.



"I'm not like Clokey's old man, he's a real worry,'' he said.



"Why that bloke held the club to ransom annoys me but it's got nothing to do with me.''