AFL star Eddie Betts is done with football but won’t stop his battle to stamp out racism

Retiring AFL star Eddie Betts had to convince his young son the end of his football career wasn’t a bad thing as he takes up another fight.

Carlton coach David Teague and Eddie Betts after his retirement announcement. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

The next chapter of Eddie Betts’ life could be more important than his stellar 17-year AFL career with Carlton and Adelaide that will come to a close this weekend.

Betts, who has kicked 638 goals across his 349 games, announced his retirement on Monday night and in addressing his teammates urged them to “use your voice” to continue to fight racism, a battle the 35-year-old has waged throughout his career and will continue when he hangs up his boots this Saturday.

On Tuesday, Betts said he had been inspired by Adam Goodes’ struggle against racism at the end of the Sydney champion’s career to take up the fight.

And as a parting message he urged the football community to “be stronger” because he still doesn’t believe it’s “safe” for Indigenous people not just in football but in the wider community.

“He (Goodes) gave me that voice and that strength to stand up and talk about and believe in myself and have the strength and courage to stamp out racism here in Australia, to call it out when I see it and educate people,” Betts said.

Carlton players wore a special tribute shirt acknowledging Betts’ 350th and final game. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

“I don’t feel like it’s safe at the moment. I honestly don’t. I feel like there’s still a lot of racism, and this year there has been a lot of racism. It’s been draining and it’s been tiring. Every year we see myself and the other Aboriginal boys standing up, trying to call it out, trying to make a stance.

“We’ve got to be stronger. We’ve got to somehow catch these people and keep them accountable for what they say online or over the fence.

“It has been really tough and really draining, and that’s why I told everyone last week that I need everyone’s help. I’m not the one that’s going to make change. It’s you guys that are going to make the change. It’s for people to start calling it out, having those conversations.”

Betts said he had known for some time he wouldn’t be offered a new contract and was “happy” with the decision to retire.

“It was a bit disappointing. I was really sad at first because I felt like I wanted to go on because I love working with the young players, especially the young small forwards,” Betts said.

“But on the other (side) I was pretty rapt to start the next phase of my career.”

Eddie Betts 😍🤩👏#weflyasonepic.twitter.com/XderUf4C5z

— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) August 16, 2021

Betts said his “next chapter” was about stamping out racism and urged his teammates to help.

“It’s you guys who are going to make change for us to move forward when it comes to racism, and I mean that,” he said.

“It’s you guys who are going to make change for us to move forward when it comes to racism, and I mean that. Don’t underestimate the power in you guys’ voices.”

Carlton coach David Teague said Betts had “left Australia a better place” and “put smiles on faces”.

Betts has been widely lauded for his work off field and his on-field exploits that included four times winning the AFL’s goal of the year award.

Ken Hinkley and Simon Goodwin, coaches of Port Adelaide and Melbourne respectively, lauded Betts’ contribution to the game on Monday night’s episode of AFL 360.

“He’s just been an absolute superstar of the game,” said Hinkley, who coached against Betts in Showdowns during the small forward’s time at the Crows.

“He could do unbelievable things, and he’s been able to do that right through to this year.

“He’s an absolute champion of the game.”

Originally published as AFL star Eddie Betts is done with football but won’t stop his battle to stamp out racism