Eddie Betts to play another season with Palmerston in 2022-23

Palmerston has had another off-field win with champion Carlton and Adelaide goalkicker Eddie Betts returning to Cazalys Arena for the coming season.

AFL legend Eddie Betts has locked in his return to Palmerston for the upcoming NTFL season, strengthening the Magpies’ case for a potential finals tilt.

The Magpies unveiled Betts for the first time in the 2021-22 season and he made an instant off-field and on-field impact for the club.

For Eddie, as was the case last season, his time at Magpies won’t be just about the footy as he looks to once more get out and engage in communities.

But when he does take to the field he’s sure to light up the field whether from the forward pocket at Cazalys Arena or in and around the midfield.

The four time AFL goal of the year winner also brings plenty of leadership experience and it’s that which Palmerston head coach Josh Heath will be drawing on.

“It’s a very exciting boost for the club and for the local community,” Heath said.

“Everyone here is really pumped to have him back on board and having him and his family here just adds another element to our club.

Former Carlton and Adelaide champion Eddie Betts training with NTFL club Palmerston Magpies. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“It’s just that extra drive of excitement and anticipation for punters to come down and watch the footy, and he will also be doing his own thing out in community which is fantastic.

“He’s someone we can look to when we need to put a few goals on the board and he adds an extra bit of leadership to our forward line. He adds leadership wherever he is on the ground.”

Betts had been planning this return since setting off at the tail end of the 2021-22 season after scoring 13 goals for Palmerston from seven games.

And while plenty of eyes will be on his on-field theatrics, it will be the work he does just by being around the club that will have the most lasting impact.

“Having someone of his calibre and football capabilities has been really exciting and something the boys are always speaking about,” Heath said.

“He just adds that vibrance to the club, it will be really exciting to have him back, and for any of the new faces it will be a great chance for them to get that feeling as well.”

And it’s not just Betts that will have the Palmy Army hoping for a strong finals tilt in the 2022-23 season.

Also joining the club is Nichols medallist Phil Wills, five-time Dennis Dunn winner Wil Farrer and one of the league’s best Josiah Farrer.

Juniors such as Waylon Davey and Enrique Andrews will also have another year under their belts, while 2021-22 Nichols Medallist Eric Guthrie has returned.

“It’s been a really interesting off-season, we have put a fair bit of work into building the club and we’ve attracting these sort of players as a result,” Heath said.

“A lot of these players have leadership skills, they’ve won medals or trophies and so it’s been really exciting see them come on-board and share their knowledge and skills.”

‘Put Palmerston back on the map’: Eddie re-signs with Magpies

FORMER Carlton and Adelaide champion Eddie Betts has re-signed with Palmerston.

The NTFL club announced on its Facebook page on Thursday the AFL goalsneak had recommitted to the Magpies for the 2022-23 season.

In a statement, Betts said his family were keen to return to the Top End.

“Our kids haven’t stopped talking about their time in Darwin and connecting with people all over the NT, especially with Palmerston FC,” Betts said, who has been an assistant coach at Geelong for the 2022 AFL season.

“When we came back to Melbourne we realised how important our time was in Darwin and we wanted to keep giving back while we have that opportunity.

“I am obviously passionate about footy and developing kids but Anna, my partner, is also super passionate about community engagement and loved being involved at the footy club.

“I’m looking forward to Palmerston having some on-field success, and I want to be part of that drive to hopefully put Palmerston back on the map in the NT.”

Betts played seven games with Palmerston last season, kicking 13 goals.

Eddie Betts played seven games in season 2021-22 with Palmerston. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Betts kicked 640 goals from 350 AFL games.

The club said Betts’ impact was “immediate” at Cazalys Arena.

“He is selfless in his contributions to the playing group and he is passionate about community engagement, especially with Aboriginal youth and is determined to see success at the club,” he said.

“We can’t wait to see Eddie’s pocket light up again this year at Cazalys Arena.”

Palmerston, which finished second bottom last season, has already snapped up William and Josiah Farrer and Phillip Wills during the offseason while Nichols medallist Eric Guthrie has also recommitted.

Originally published as Eddie Betts to play another season with Palmerston in 2022-23