Carlton veteran and fan favourite Eddie Betts will retire after he plays his 350th AFL game when the Blues take on GWS in the final round of 2021 season.
Betts, 34, indicated earlier this month he was enjoying his football in his second stint with the Blues and felt capable of continuing into an 18th season.
But the mercurial goal sneak, who wowed fans around the country, will now end his playing days in front of empty stands at Marvel Stadium.
Betts announced the end of his dazzling career via Instagram on Monday night, coming after a draining period for the Indigenous champion where he has again laid bare the pain caused by his ongoing fight against racism.
“Thanks for sticking by me through the highs and lows,” Betts wrote, while including pictures of him playing for Carlton and Adelaide.
“I hope at some point in my career I was able to put a smile on your face. If I did, I’m happy and my work is done here.
“To all the people who played a part in my career, it could never be done on my own.
“My family, back home for teaching and raising me that it’s always important to look out for others and be selfless in the way we go about things.”
A three-time All-Australian, Betts has kicked 638 goals with Carlton and Adelaide, and will become the 19th player in AFL/VFL history to reach 350 games.
He returned to the Blues in 2020 after six seasons with the Crows, where he lit up Adelaide Oval and kicked a series of remarkable goals from a corner of the ground that became known as ‘Eddie’s Pocket’.
Betts has kicked 33 goals in 38 games in his second stint with Carlton, including 25 in 13 games this season, but was held goalless in Sunday’s horror 95-point defeat to Port Adelaide.
Betts signed a one-year contract for the 2021 season in a deal that included the veteran being downgraded to the rookie list.
He will turn 35 in November and Carlton have floated the possibility of Betts filling an off-field coaching or mentor role at the club.
A beloved champion, the father-of-five will not be short of options as he weighs up his post-playing career future
“Eddie is one of the game’s most loved characters and he leaves behind an incredible legacy at our club and in our game,” Blues coach David Teague said.
“He has had a significant impact both on and off the field throughout an unbelievable career, of which I’m honoured to have been a part of, both as a teammate and a coach.
“To have him impart his experience and wisdom on to our younger players over the last two years has been great for our entire group.
“Eddie is loved by everyone, whether you’re a Carlton person or not, that tells you all you need to know about the mark this man has left on our game.”
It will be the club’s second high-profile retirement in as many weeks after former captain Marc Murphy bowed out after his 300th game on Saturday.
The Carlton-GWS clash could also be Teague’s last in charge of the Blues.
The club’s board is considering the recommendations of the wide-ranging external review commissioned by incoming president Luke Sayers.
The PTA has disbanded
Guest
No they weren't No one would agree with you either.
The PTA has disbanded
Guest
Anyone with a functioning brain stem ignores Don Freo though.
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
Michael Walters and Mark LeCras were as good.
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
Don Freo said Ballantyne was way better than Eddie Betts.
Boo
Guest
Thanks Eddie for the thrills you provided on the field and your smile that even in the spite of some of the most obscene racism never left your face .Players like you whether there on your team or not remind us of how great this game is .
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I miss Eddie already.
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
Congratulations Eddie, not that i loved you when you pulled those goals out ya as in your forward pocket but still had to love your work once I stopped crying.lol. You were something special thats for sure. On and off the field you always carried yourself in the best possible way and the way you dealt with the racism issues over the years, willing to to forgive and try to teach people and help them better themselves through education has to be admired. Love you or Hate you people have to respect you as a player and a person. :stoked:
true blue
Guest
Eddie will be greatly missed. I wish him a bright future. We should wear our indigenous jumper this week to honour him.
The PTA has disbanded
Guest
Trying hard to think of a better pocket forward than Eddie...still trying... Eddie Betts is proof you don't need premiership medals to be a champion.
AD
Guest
Absolute champion of the game. Legend on and off the field. I don't think I can recall a player who has been as loved by supporters of ALL clubs, not just his own. He'll also go down in history as the first player whose career highlights video is so long it has an intermission.
Roger of Sydney
Roar Rookie
Well done Eddie, some players are boring to watch, you are not one of them.
Windrince
Roar Rookie
What an absolute champion Eddie is. On and off the field
Macca
Roar Rookie
Well done to Eddie, he has been a fantastic servant of 2 clubs and brilliant ambassador for the AFL. I just hope we can keep him at the club working with Honey, Durdin and Owies to help create the next elite small forward.