The AFL appears set to add another member to its exclusive 400 club, with Essendon stalwart Dustin Fletcher agreeing to a new one-year deal with the club.

Next season will be Fletcher’s 23rd, and he is just seven games short of breaking the magical 400-game mark.

The only other men to have achieved the feat are Hawthorn legend Michael Tuck (426) and Richmond great Kevin Bartlett (403).

• The never ending ballad of Slim Dusty Fletcher

“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 coaches 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 so I’m keen to go around again and give it another crack. I’m excited to be back in and ready to go again for the pre-season.”

Fletcher is a two-time premiership player with the Bombers, and was named the club’s best and fairest in their 2000 flag-winning side.

He will be 40 next May.