Dustin Fletcher says he won't be pulling on the boots for Carngham-Linton next month, but the retired Essendon great will still have a big impact in the Saints' highly-anticipated clash with Buninyong.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Fletcher is set for a stint in the coach's box when he travels to Snake Valley on June 17 alongside former Bombers teammates Nick O'Brien and Jason Winderlich.
O'Brien, a product of Carngham-Linton, has been behind the luring of Fletcher and Winderlich for the Central Highlands Football League fixture.
Fletcher told The Courier he had originally thought he might play for the Saints, but had decided against it.
"Last year I was thinking I probably could have a run, but this year with turning 42 and the body getting a little bit older, I probably couldn't help out in that sense," Fletcher said.
“I said to (Nick) I’d be well and truly happy to help with training, help with the coaching and provide as much encouragement to the team and also the juniors as I could.”
Fletcher said he is currently attending to some issues with his body that stemmed from his 400-game career in the AFL.
“I’m in the process of seeing doctors and that at the moment,” he said.
“I’ve just got to get a few things done with a bit of a groin fixed up and then following that, my teeth that were knocked out some years ago over at Subiaco, that’s in the process of getting done, too.
“So it probably rules me out (of playing) a little bit.”
Fletcher said he is “really excited” to be part of what will be a big day for the Carngham-Linton Football Netball Club.
“When we sat down and marked out some dates, I’ve obviously been looking forward to it ever since,” he said.
“You don’t meet too many better blokes than Nobby (Nick O’Brien), so when he asked me to come down and give him a hand, I jumped at the chance.”
With Fletcher to help Saints senior coach Matt Beaston on the sidelines, O’Brien and Winderlich are set to play in the match against Buninyong.
Fletcher, O’Brien and Winderlich will then headline a club function after the final siren.