There are pros and cons for Eddie Betts who is contracted to the Crows for next year but has rival clubs lining up for him
Eddie Betts is contracted to the Crows for next year but rival clubs are knocking on his door. Does he see out his contract and fight for his spot or take up a fresh challenge interstate?
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Eddie Betts may have a decision to make at the end of this season.
Stay at Adelaide next year to see out his contract and fight for his spot before most likely retiring and moving into an off-field role at the club.
Or seek a move now for longer-term playing security, the prospect of a new challenge and the chance to add another chapter to his incredible legacy on the game.
Clubs are lining up to speak to Betts at season’s end, including those like Gold Coast and Carlton which have young, developing lists and could do with his leadership and experience.
Not to mention the fan factor he would bring through the gates, particularly on the Gold Coast where the Suns have had three crowds of less than 10,000 since May.
The difficulty for Betts would be at the heart of his DNA - loyalty.
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He is happy at Adelaide, although disappointed to have been dropped three weeks ago it’s believed he doesn’t have a problem with coach Don Pyke, and he is loved by his teammates and vice versa.
He is also on a lucrative contract for the final year of his deal but money would not be a factor in his decision on his future.
After 599 goals in 314 games, a three-time All Australian and three-time AFL goal of the year winner, the one glaring omission from his CV is a premiership.
It’s highly unlikely to happen at Gold Coast or Carlton in his time, but might at Adelaide - possibly even this year if you believe in miracles.
But if not, where does that leave the Crows and Betts for 2020 and beyond?
Betts turns 33 in November at a time when the club is under pressure to blood youth and rejuvenate its list.
They’ve gone all-in to smash through the premiership window since 2017 when they made the grand final and now it could be time to re-load.
The question is whether Betts is part of those plans or does he, with the club’s blessing, seek another opportunity to extend his playing career towards 350 games?
He would tick a lot of boxes on Gold Coast’s wish list. Superstar player, widely respected leader, fan favourite and willing to help others.
Betts managed to get Charlie Cameron to start eating his veggies and moved Tyson Stengle in under his roof this year. Gold Coast could only dream of a mentor like Betts for its young talent. And then there’s the romance of a possible return to Carlton.
Another part of the equation is how attractive is Carlton or the Gold Coast right now?
The Suns have lost their last 16 games including three 90-point hidings in the past six. Carlton has only won six games all year but did trounce the Crows three weeks ago.
But Betts to the game is bigger than just football or what he does on the field.
Admired, respected and loved in Adelaide, if he stays he will play more footy, kick more goals and make more highlights.
But if he decides it’s time to move on it would take none of the gloss off his time at the Crows and could even extend his legacy to a third club in a third state.
reece.homfray@news.com.au