Dustin Fletcher’s hopes of breaking Essendon’s AFL games record in Saturday night’s round-23 clash with Richmond have been dashed because of a hamstring injury.

The 38-year-old defender, who sits on 378 games alongside Essendon ruck great Simon Madden, was due to return this week after serving a two-match suspension.

“Dustin last weekend hurt his hamstring during training,” Essendon football operations manager Steve Alessio told essendonfc.com.au.

“We tested it out during the week but he is going to miss this weekend’s game with a hamstring injury.

“It is disappointing for Dustin and us that he won’t be out there for his 379th game.”

Fletcher may have to wait until 2014 to break the club’s games record. The seventh-placed Bombers could miss next month’s finals as they’re facing a possible loss of premiership points over their use of supplements during 2011-12.

The two-time All-Australian has spoken recently about his desire to play on next year for a 22nd season.

Alessio says Essendon forward Nick Kommer will also miss Saturday night’s game at the MCG with a broken hand.

Dyson Heppell remains in doubt because of a foot injury but Jason Winderlich, Scott Gumbleton and Travis Colyer are also pushing to return this week from injuries.