Eddie Betts may want trade out of Adelaide but Carlton unsure if he’s part of their 2020 plans

As Adelaide announced who’ll lead its footy review, most interest was on the future of Eddie Betts. And while Carlton has asked the question, the Crows or Blues aren’t certain what happens next.

Former Blues Bryce Gibbs and Eddie Betts. Picture SARAH REED

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Carlton has hosed down speculation of a shock Eddie Betts homecoming.

The Blues on Friday insisted Betts was unlikely to be part of the club’s rebuild, despite reports he would return to Princes Park next year.

The Crows goalkicker will be 33 by the time the 2020 season swings around and showed obvious signs of decline at Adelaide this season.

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Eddie Betts poses for photos with fans during his book signing in Adelaide on Friday. Pic: AAP

When asked by News Corp on Friday about reports he had played his last game at the Crows, Betts responded: “Those weren’t my words”.

There have been no formal talks but the Blues are aware of Betts’ desire to leave Adelaide.

A Carlton official first made inquiries about luring him back to the club six weeks ago, but not all football department figures are convinced it would be the right move.

Betts has one year to run at Adelaide on a $600,000 contract and has also drawn interest from the Gold Coast Suns.

Adelaide football director Mark Ricciuto said he knew nothing of plans for Betts to depart.

“I certainly don’t know anything that he wants to go to Carlton,” Ricciuto told Triple M on Friday.

“We had list management yesterday and nothing of that nature came up.

Betts was a fan favourite at Carlton. Pic: Michael Klein.

Betts was once a teammate of new Blues coach David Teague.

“But he’s contracted to play for the Crows until 2020 and at this stage that is what will be happening.”

Adelaide named Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall and retired Fremantle star Matthew Pavlich on a panel of external experts set to review the club’s football operations.

Performance psychologist Jonah Oliver, who was at Essendon during the club’s disastrous 2012 supplements program, is also on the panel, which Dunstall will chair.

Crows chairman Rob Chapman said the review was expected to run for several weeks ahead of October’s trade period.

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