Evergreen Essendon veteran Dustin Fletcher has agreed to play on next AFL season after signing a one-year contract extension with the Bombers.

The 39-year-old sits on 393 AFL games and will likely become the third member of the 400 game club during what will be his 23rd season next year.

Fletcher, who turns 40 in May, sits third on the list of most AFL career games behind Hawthorn’s Michael Tuck (426) and Richmond’s Kevin Bartlett (403).

He said he contemplated hanging up the boots but his competitive streak compelled him to play on.

“I did have to sit down and really think about this decision but I know that my body is feeling good and I feel that I still have something to contribute to the team,” Fletcher said.

“I’m not particularly motivated by records, but I am motivated by my teammates and this great club.

“I think walking in to the coach’s office and knowing that they wanted me to go around again really had a positive impact on me.

“The game has changed in many ways since I first started, but my hunger for success hasn’t.”

Fletcher debuted in 1993 after being drafted under the father-son rule, winning a premiership in his first season.

He was also named the Bombers’ best and fairest in their premiership year in 2000 and is a two-time All-Australian.

Bombers coach James Hird described Fletcher’s impact on the playing squad as invaluable.

“We made our desires clear to Fletch that we wanted him to play on, but ultimately the decision was left up to him,” Hird said.

“It is just great for football that he is going around again. He adds so much experience to our side and is a terrific mentor for our younger players.”