Dustin Fletcher takes up coaching role at Essendon as son Mason hits training track

Essendon favourite son Dustin Fletcher has returned to the club in a new role as his towering son Mason hit the training track at Tullamarine.

Like father, like son: Mason Fletcher and father Dustin at Essendon training. Picture: Getty Images

Essendon favourite son Dustin Fletcher has returned to the club in a new coaching role.

The 400-game defender, who retired at the end of 2015, was back on the track yesterday observing senior players go through their paces at training after recently taking a coaching role with the Bombers’ Next Generation Academy (NGA).

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Like father, like son: Mason Fletcher and father Dustin at Essendon training. Picture: Getty Images

Fletcher will work with NGA players on defensive positioning and one-on-one craft as part of his new role.

Bombers ruckman Tom Bellchambers said it was great to have the two-time premiership star back at the club.

“It’s always good to have Fletch back,” Bellchambers said.

“This is his first time that he’s been down here for a little bit but he’s obviously got a good relationship with Harves (assistant coach Mark Harvey) and he’s doing some stuff with our Next Gen Academy so it’s good to have him down here for that.”

Fletcher’s son Mason, who chose not to nominate for last year’s AFL draft after battling lower back stress fractures, was also spotted on the track.

Mason, who stands 199cm, is set to return to TAC Cup club Calder Cannons as a 19-year-old this season and remains eligible for father-son selection in this year’s national draft.

The two Fletchers watch the Dons go at it. Picture: Getty Images

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