Fletcher, who will celebrate his 300th game this weekend against the Brisbane Lions, said the introduction of zones has meant his career could possibly extend beyond 2010.
"Footy is changing a little bit with zones, so I still think I've got a role to play in helping the young guys down back in an experienced type role," he said on Tuesday at Windy Hill.
The premiership defender also noted that a tweak in pre-season routine had him feeling fresher in mind and body.
"Last year I was coming into the season a little bit sore, but this year I haven't done as much of the training as the other guys.
"I'm feeling pretty good within myself so I daresay next year I'll go round again and anything after that, we'll just wait and see.
"At this stage, touch wood, the body is feeling good and I've kept my speed, which is probably one of the main assets.
Fletcher, who was born in Essendon and attended the local school Essendon Grammar, said he felt pressure early on in his career owing to his father's legacy at the Bombers.
Ken Fletcher played 264 games for the club between 1967 and 1980, won the best and fairest in 1978 when Dustin was three years old.
"To grow up in the area and play with such a great club, it means a fair bit," the younger Fletcher said of his upcoming milestone.
"There haven't been many players do it and I'm just thankful the club has given me the chance to go for so long. I've enjoyed myself the whole way through.
"1993 is a long time ago and to see where I'm sitting now, it is a long time in football days. I still feel pretty good, the body is alright, and I've got enough young blokes around me to keep me young, in a sense, and I'm still enjoying it."
Fletcher, who named Gary Ablett senior as the best player he'd faced, started his career alongside the likes of Mark Thompson, Mark Harvey, Gavin Wanganeen, Dean Wallis and David Grenvold in the Bombers' back half.
He also recalls playing two season with Anthony Daniher, whose son Darcy is now part of the emerging breed of Essendon defenders.
Fletcher said mentoring the club's young guns such as Daniher had kept him interested in the game and motivated to play on.
"To see the joy and excitement on the young kids' faces after big wins has been the best bit for me personally, to see them smiling and singing the song," he said.
"[Mentoring] makes me stand up a bit. I'm not a player to say much out on the ground; I just sort of go about doing my job.
"I think I've realised now, and it's taken me until the past six to 12 months, that guys do need a bit of experience around them.
"I've started to watch their videos with them and then we watch mine, because I know that being out on the big stage for these kids is a big thing, and if I can help them out in any way, I'm going to do that."
Fletcher said he had ambition to take on a teaching role, possibly in football, when his playing days are over.
He also said he had learned a great deal from rookie Essendon coach Matthew Knights about different teaching techniques.
"I loved playing under Sheeds but I've also loved having ‘Knighta’ come into the club with different thoughts and new training drills," he said.
"What he's doing with our young guys is very exciting”.
