Eddie Betts

D.O.B:
26 November 1986
Club:
Carlton
Honours:
2005 NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft Pick No. 3
2005 AFL Debut
2006 Toyota AFL Goal of the Year Winner
2007 Pre-Season Premiership

Eddie is a lively small forward who has become a favourite with the Carlton faithful and football fans alike. Recruited from the Calder Cannons Under 18 TAC Cup team, Eddie also played under Templestowe coach and one of Stride's current football managers, Tom Petroro.

Betts was Carltons first round selection in the 2005 NAB AFL Pre-season Draft, number 3 overall. He made his senior debut in 2005 and played 19 games for the Blues that year. Eddie’s ability around the goals saw him kick 19 goals in his first year with the club, instantly becoming a favourite with the Carlton fans. His sensational debut year earned him the Blues best first year player award.

With an outstanding performance in his first season at the Blues the challenge was set for Eddie to continue this form into 2006. His electric flair in the forward line continued throughout 2006, kicking 20 goals for the year and finishing second on the clubs goal kicking list. He also kicked the AFL Goal of the Year for 2006 in round 21 against Collingwood.

In 2007, Betts continued primarily as a small forward, but began to spend some rotations as a midfielder, particularly late in the season after the appointment of Brett Ratten Carlton coach. In the last round of the season, Betts kicked 5 goals and racked up 26 possessions, career highs in both statistics.

In Round 2 of the 2008 season against St. Kilda, Betts kicked a magnificent left foot banana goal late in the last quarter to receive a goal of the year nomination.

In 2009, Eddie took on the role of being the club’s mentor for the younger Indigenous players, being a fatherly figure to emerging Blues Chris Yarran, Jeff Garlett and Joe Anderson.  The  presence of the younger Aboriginal players influenced Betts’ rise in form, as they put pressure on his previous hold on the small forward position. Eddie also backed up his commitment to the Blues on the field during the 2009 season, playing 22 games and kicking a total of 38 goals.

Over the years, Betts has made himself known as a lively small forward and a favorite amongst the Carlton fans. Betts will continue to be influential in Carlton’s success for 2010 and beyond.