Eddie Betts wants Neville Jetta to wear the AFLX jumper the Demons defender designed

Eddie Betts loves the jumper he will wear when he leads the all-indigenous Deadlys into the revamped AFLX tournament, and wants the designer to pull one on alongside him.

AFLX captains Patrick Dangerfield, Eddie Betts, Jack Riewold and Nat Fyfe. Picture: Alex Coppel

Neville Jetta designed the guernsey, now Eddie Betts just wants to give him one.

Adelaide superstar Betts will lead the all-indigenous Deadlys into the revamped AFLX tournament on February 22 at Marvel Stadium in a kit created by Jetta.

But getting the Melbourne defender — Betts’ regular opp­onent during the AFL season — into the 14-man squad is the next challenge.

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“He’s had two shoulder ­reconstructions, so he’s still working that out with the club, but hopefully we can get him out there,” Betts said.

“The jumper looks fantastic, the design is unbelievable, and it will look awesome on the night, so we’re looking forward to pulling it on.

“The other reason I want him in my side is so I don’t have to play against him. I’ve got the ability to pick good small backs because I play on them, so I know who to go for and Nev is one of them.”

Betts has already chosen Hawthorn great Shaun Burgoyne as his vice-captain and he’s got his eye on a certain Sydney forward for tonight’s AFLX Super Draft.

Eddie Betts wears the jumper Neville Jetta designed. Picture: Alex Coppel

“I want ‘Buddy’,” he said.

“I love Bud. I actually love him. He’s not available, but I’ve told the AFL that I’m going to pick him anyway.

“We’ll see if he can play and if not I’ll bring in a late ­replacement.”

Betts has been handed a list of indigenous players who are keen to play, but team balance may be the biggest issue he faces as a one-off chairman of selectors.

“My list of small forwards is massive, my midfield is reasonable, my backs are tiny and I’ve got no ruckmen, so we’ll have to see how we go,” he said.

“We have a lot of guys at the moment battling injury, so it’s not a huge list, but it’s very talented so I’m excited to see who I get.”

Like many of his Crows teammates, Betts endured a tough 2018.

The three-time All-Australian was restricted to 29 goals in 18 games after kicking at least 50 majors in each of the previous four seasons.

While AFLX is far more exhibition than serious hitout, Betts is viewing it as a stepping stone to a season of redemption.

“I want to rectify last year because it was a down year for myself, but I’m really enjoying the pre-season,” he said.

“I feel young. I’m 32, but I feel like I’m 23 and I’m just looking forward to getting stuck into it. We’re talking about the superstars of the game (in AFLX), so I’m excited.”

Originally published as Eddie Betts wants Neville Jetta to wear the AFLX jumper the Demons defender designed