ESSENDON have lost key defender Dustin Fletcher with a suspected broken hand in today’s clash against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval.

Fletcher suffered the injury late in the second quarter when Dockers forward Matthew Pavlich appeared to push him in a marking contest. Fletcher stretched with one hand to spoil and the ball appeared to snap his hand back.

He left the field shortly after and emerged from the half-time break on the interchange bench with his left hand heavily strapped and iced.

He is not expected to take any further part in the game.