Eddie Betts sends SOS to Lance Franklin but ‘pulling his hair out’ trying fit the cream of indigenous talent into AFLX Deadly line-up
Eddie Betts says he has been pulling his hair out trying to fit the cream of the league’s indigenous talent into his Deadly AFLX side and has brushed aside any doubts about his playing future.
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Eddie Betts has vowed to play on until his body breaks while pinpointing superstar Lance Franklin as the missing piece in AFLX’s Deadly unit.
Betts has sent an SOS to Sydney forward Franklin but was “pulling his hair out” trying fit the cream of indigenous talent into his Deadly side.
Betts will captain Deadly against Jack Riewoldt’s Rampage, Patrick Dangerfield’s Bolts and Nat Fyfe’s Flyers in the four side AFLX on February 22 at Marvel Stadium.
Betts must finalise his preferred line-up for Wednesday week’s draft knowing those overlooked will come calling days after at an AFL indigenous camp from February 18-21 in Adelaide.
“It will be tough. If they are not in my side I am going to cop some heat from the boys on the indigenous camp saying ‘why didn’t you pick me?’ said Betts.
“There is a lot of great talent out there. I never thought it would be this hard. I am pulling my hair out as to who I am going to be pick.
“The Aboriginal players around the league they are so skilful and talented.
“We are there to put a show but coming up against Patrick Dangerfield, Nat Fyfe, Jack Riewoldt, Patrick Cripps.”
Betts, who will be sure to select former housemate and Crow Charlie Cameron, has an oversupply of small forwards but needs “Buddy” Franklin, on the comeback trail from groin surgery, as his spearhead.
“Buddy if you are out there please come and play. I need you. I don’t think we have a tall forward to be honest. Our small forwards is a long list,” Betts said.
He said he was embarrassed at leading a Deadly outfit ahead of four-time premiership midfielder Shaun Burgoyne.
“I thought Silk should have been captain. I am his sidekick, he is an unbelievable player,” said 295-game veteran Betts.
Last year’s AFLX was criticised for its lack of top-shelf talent but Betts says the game’s biggest names and indigenous team had boosted the concept for 2019.
“It is fantastic, I have always had a dream of putting an indigenous side together and play against the best players in the AFL,” Betts said.
“It is growing, getting better and we can only go upwards.”
Betts wants to atone for a 29-goal tally in 2018, the first time he’d slipped below 50 since joining Adelaide in 2014. Failing to be ‘diligent’ with back soreness contributed to hamstring injuries last season.
“I was disappointed in the season I had. I didn’t want to go out and play like that,” Betts said. Back fit and entering a 15th AFL campaign, he said he would continue until his body breaks.
“I feel good, body is holding up. I have two more years on my contract and would like to play until my body says I can’t play any more.”
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