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.”

“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.”

“While I can still contribute and play my role for the team I want to keep playing.”

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.”

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."