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Eddie Betts turns back the clock with freakish no hands goal

Eddie Betts has been facing increasing criticism over his place in the AFL but his latest feat shows he belongs just fine.

Andrew McMurtryAndrew McMurtry
@AndrewMcMurtry
less than 2 min read
May 9, 2021 - 7:14PM
Eddie Betts had a hell of a game.
Eddie Betts had a hell of a game.

Carlton’s Eddie Betts has turned back the clock after a mountain of criticism, booting five goals in his best performance since returning to the Blues.

But it wasn’t enough as the Western Bulldogs came home late, kicking six goals to one to steal a 16-point win.

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But the early stages were all about Betts, as he turned back the clock with a stunning first half.

He kicked Carlton’s first goal with a stunning effort where he went hands-free.

As the ball was punched out of a forward contest, Betts knocked it up for himself, before booting the ball out of the air for the Blues’ first.

“Oh what a goal,” Jason Bennett said in commentary. “Eddie Betts with some magic and the Blues back almost on even terms.”

An “Eddie” chant went up around Marvel Stadium.

“He just makes it fun to come to the footy sometimes Eddie Betts,” Geelong great Cameron Ling said.

“If I’m playing, Brian, I take possession of that because I wouldn’t even think of doing it. But Eddie just knows his ability and said I’m going to have some fun here.”

Eddie Betts has still got it.
Eddie Betts has still got it.

Brian Taylor said it was “probably in his top 100” as he’s done miraculous things throughout his career.

It was just the beginning for Betts, who booted five goals, his first five-goal haul for Carlton since round 9 2012.

It’s a good bounce back from a difficult start to the season where the 34-year-old had kicked just two goals before the Bulldogs clash.

Brisbane great Jonathan Brown said he was “not sure how” Betts got a new contract.

“We love Eddie Betts but I’m not sure how he got a contract in the first place. It’s put him under pressure to go out there and try kick the amount of goals that’s expected, it’s a big ask especially with the way they move the footy,” Brown said on Fox Footy last week.

Maybe this will help.

Then again, the late capitulation was far from ideal with Carlton 3-5 for the season, while the Bulldogs are 7-1.

Originally published as Eddie Betts turns back the clock with freakish no hands goal

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/afl/eddie-betts-turns-back-the-clock-with-freakish-no-hands-goal/news-story/8d77c8404be1fbeda8115dd3497d3a8c