Veteran Essendon defender Dustin Fletcher has called time on his AFL career after 400 games for the club.

Fletcher’s storied career has spanned more than 20 years and leaves him sitting fourth on the all-time VFL/AFL record list for most games played – 26 matches behind the leader, Hawthorn legend Michael Tuck.

The 40-year-old dual premiership player had hoped to farewell fans with one final game when the Bombers play Collingwood on Sunday at the MCG, however his troublesome groin denied him the opportunity.