In the extensive history of the V/AFL, only six players have featured in 400 games.

These men have combined for 21 premierships, but curiously, no Brownlow Medals.

Ahead of Scott Pendlebury's coronation as the code's all-time games record holder this Saturday, I've had a crack at ranking the six revered figures for their play, individual and team success, and overall legacy.

4Dustin Fletcher

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 20: Dustin Fletcher #31 for the Bombers kicks out during the round one AFL Wizard Cup match between the Carlton Blues and the Essendon Bombers at the Telstra Dome on February 20, 2004 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 20: Dustin Fletcher #31 for the Bombers kicks out during the round one AFL Wizard Cup match between the Carlton Blues and the Essendon Bombers at the Telstra Dome on February 20, 2004 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

The lanky key defender was strictly business, boasting a metronomic consistency across his 400-game tenure for his boyhood club.

Son of Ken, a captain and best and fairest winner in the sash himself, Fletcher won two premierships, two All-Australian blazers and a best and fairest in the Bombers' dominant, flag-winning 2000 campaign.

Fletcher was assigned some of the toughest tasks in footy, man-marking the likes of Jason Dunstall, Tony Lockett, Wayne Carey, Stephen Kernahan and Alastair Lynch in his early days. Duels with players like Brendan Fevola, Jonathan Brown, Nick Riewoldt and Lance "Buddy" Franklin characterised the latter years of his glittering career.

Lanky limbs, an absence of flashiness and the ability to kick a booming torpedo made him a fan favourite. Fletcher is one of the Bombers' very favourite sons, and a mainstay of Essendon backlines for a remarkable 23 seasons.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION