With Essendon great Dustin Fletcher turning 40 today it didn’t take long for the tributes to start flowing. It’s a remarkable feat to still be playing at the highest level at age 40 and one that hasn’t been reached since the first World War.
In that time Fletcher has played alongside 165 other teammates including both Tim and Jobe Watson. He has also played against the greatest father son duo in Gary Ablett Snr and Jnr.
Happy Birthday Dustin Fletcher with his Bombers birthday cake at training today @superfooty @heraldsunsport pic.twitter.com/OrC5ci4E8C
— Wayne Ludbey. (@WLudbey) May 7, 2015
Happy 40th birthday to former @WesternJetsFC Dustin Fletcher – here he is in 1992 on the cover of 1st #TACCup Record pic.twitter.com/QA3oKkZ7dM
— TAC Cup (@TACCup) May 7, 2015
Happy 40th Birthday, Dustin Fletcher! So impressive to still be playing @AFL. I'm 28 and my body's falling to pieces playing @womensfooty
— Jessie L (@jessiethelamb) May 7, 2015
While there were plenty of people congratulating ‘Fletch’ there was quite a few facts to to mark the milestone.
38.6% of players on AFL lists in 2015 weren't born when @EssendonFC veteran Dustin Fletcher debuted.
— Joshua Kay (@js_kay) May 6, 2015
When #Fletch made his debut in 1993 … #Happy Birthday @EssendonFC http://t.co/4r9xW4txj7 pic.twitter.com/uLHVZbXg3W
— SuperFooty (AFL) (@superfooty) May 6, 2015
Happy Bday to Dustin Fletcher – roughly 36 years older than our club. 26 GIANTS weren’t even born when he debuted. pic.twitter.com/UuBc3u6D6v
— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) May 6, 2015
And it wouldn’t be a notable Dustin Fletcher milestone without countless amounts of jokes, and you can bet this won’t be the end of them while the 397-gamer continues to line up for the Bombers.
Dustin Fletcher says Fred Fanning was his toughest opponent.
— Titus O'Reily (@TitusOReily) May 7, 2015
Very nice of @EssendonFC to give Dustin Fletcher the weekend off to celebrate his birthday with his great grandchildren. #AFL
— Mitchell Adam (@DrMitchellAdam) May 7, 2015
Breaking news: UNESCO has announced the 8th New Wonder of the World 'Dustin Fletcher' 40 today, inducted overnight #welldonefletch
— Swatta (@WayneSchwass) May 6, 2015
Happy Birthday to AFL stalwart Dustin Fletcher! pic.twitter.com/ZlSzUE2abL
— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) May 6, 2015
Happy Birthday to the great man Fletch! #DustinFletcher #Fletcher40 @EssendonFC #DonTheSash pic.twitter.com/kL8hTSnOXm
— JOscar11 (@JadeOscar11) May 6, 2015
@EssendonFC Came across this photo of Dustin Fletcher during his debut for the Bombers, thought you might like it. pic.twitter.com/ew8cU27HhX
— Velvet Watermelon (@wsn1411) April 21, 2015
Although Essendon won’t risk Fletcher this weekend it’s still a milestone worth celebrating so we wish Fletch a Happy Birthday!