With all the attention this week on Dustin Fletcher ahead of his 400th senior match, the Essendon defender says he will be relieved when he finally runs out for the Dreamtime at the 'G clash against Richmond on Saturday.

Fletcher will become just the third player to play 400 matches, following the achievements of Hawthorn's Michael Tuck (427) and Richmond's Kevin Bartlett (403).

The 40-year-old has been playing at the top level since making his debut as a 17-year-old in 1993, and with all the good wishes he has received this week Fletcher said he had been able to take stock of what a rare achievement it was to reach the milestone.

Dustin Fletcher's career at a glimpse Age: 40

40 Position: Defender

Defender Games: 400

400 AFL seasons: 23

23 Goals: 71

71 Premierships: 1993, 2000

1993, 2000 All Australian: 2000, 2007

2000, 2007 Debut: 1993, versus Carlton

"It's a big deal, and it will be a big game come Saturday night," Fletcher said on Friday.

"It's a big occasion for the club, friends and family and for the supporters.

"It's hit home the last few days with all the messages from ex-team-mates who I had a lot to do with in the early years."

Fletcher, who won premierships with the Bombers in 1993 and 2000, has played with over 165 team-mates at Essendon and many have come forward to encourage him to enjoy the moment.

The veteran defender caught up with both Tuck and Bartlett during the week, the pair telling Fletcher they were delighted to have a third member of the 400 club.

It was revealed to Fletcher this week he was at the match when Bartlett played his 400th appearance for the Tigers.

"I was there with a mate, and was only quite young so I don't remember much of it," he said.

Video of Fletcher playing for the Bombers over the past two decades and more has been showed to the team during the week to motivate them for the match against Richmond.

Fletcher said he was not nervous about playing his 400th game, and added that the biggest challenge had been handling the distraction of the media attention during the week.

"Once you are heading to the game all you think about is the football," he said.

The two-time All Australian player said he does not dwell on the approaching end to his long career but accepts the journey is nearly over.

"I know it is going to end, but while you are still playing you just concentrate on playing footy.

"There is not much more I could have given but I've still got the rest of the year to play out and hopefully get the boys up the ladder a bit and challenge come finals time."

Fletcher not just a great player but a great tutor: Hird

Bombers coach James Hird said the club was extremely proud of Fletcher's achievement and the person he had become.

"He's an incredible player and an incredible person," Hird said.

"The messages he's received has been quite amazing this week and the amount of messages I have received from his ex-team-mates to pass on good wishes to Fletch."

Hird said Fletcher's professional approach had moved in time with the evolution of the game and contributed to the longevity of his career.

"Dustin doesn't miss a training session," Hird said.

"Through preseason he was there every day. Maybe he doesn't complete every session like all players do, but he is very professional about the way he trains himself.

"I think he has taught me more about how to play in defence then I have taught him.

"Not only has he been a great player but he has been a great tutor for our football club."