AUSTRALIAN goalkeeper Dustin Fletcher is no stranger to Dublin.
The rangy redhead with arms that stretch like the River Liffey is back in the country for the third time in his career, having represented Australia in seven Tests.
But this Virgin Australia International Rules Series will be Fletcher's swansong as the 40-year-old hung up his Essendon boots after 400 games at the end of 2015.
"It's good to be back," Fletcher told AFL.com.au.
Nothing would change that sense for the unassuming veteran.
Even the low hanging grey skies that nearly hid the picturesque chimneys on top of Dublin's Georgian style buildings as the Australian team bus wound its way to the hotel after a 15-hour trip between cities didn't dampen his spirits.
Nor was he perturbed when the team was told to go for a walk in the blustery conditions to stretch their legs.
"Getting back here and having the wind blowing and the rain … it feels like it is minus two out there. We'll get going over the next couple of days and get stuck in," Fletcher said.
Dry as a chip and hardwired to remain unfussed, he is a key figure in the Aussies' attempt to defeat Ireland on their home turf.
You can see why he has been successful.
At training, Fletcher is all questions to ensure he is doing the right thing by his team.
Can you do this? Can you do that? Do we want me doing this or that?
And his peers, the coaches (Chris Scott was born 361 days after Fletcher), respond with the sort of respect you'd imagine for one who has been around so long and is so low maintenance.
At the hotel, he is all smiles and happy in the company of anyone in the team.
At the game, he will be there to do a job.
Dustin Fletcher in New York with assistant coach Tadhg Kennelly. Picture: Lachie Cunningham
"[It's] good to be away with good people, and 'Clarko' has picked me so I will be doing my best to get us over the line," Fletcher said.
He knows how the Irish play and he knows they will be a tough proposition on their home deck in front of their own supporters at Croke Park.
Fletcher said Ireland had picked a team to maximise their run and ability to kick the round ball.
"They have a younger side that runs at you so I think we're going to have our work cut out but we have had a good hit out in America so I think we'll be up for the task," Fletcher said.
He's looking forward also to playing against and catching up with former teammate Michael Quinn, who played eight games with the Bombers in 2009 and 2010.
Fletcher used to give Quinn a lift to training back in those days and they clearly struck up a good relationship during that time.
It's not hard to see why when you spend time in Fletcher's company.
But he's not just here for his good looks.
He's Australia's best ever goalkeeper, particularly if longevity counts for anything, with former Tiger Andrew Kellaway and Brisbane Lion forward Ashley McGrath the only other contenders for that title – and he is ready to go out on a high.
"I'm looking forward to it," Fletcher said.
Dustin Fletcher in action during the 2014 IRS Test match. Picture: AFL Media
