AFL 2019 | Eddie Betts returns to Carlton after trade from Adelaide

Eddie Betts has had an emotional reaction when he walked through the doors as a Blue but it was nothing to his former skipper.

It’s finally happened — Eddie Betts is going home.

The pint-sized superstar has been traded from the Adelaide Crows to the Carlton Blues is the trade everyone was waiting for after denials but the information firmed as the trade period got closer.

But it didn’t stop the emotion overwhelming Betts as he returned to the club he started his career at.

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Betts even labelled the move a “fairytale” before boarding a flight to Melbourne before the move was announced.

“It was mixed emotions — good positive emotions. It still hasn’t sunk in,” Betts said in his first visit to Ikon Park as a Blue.

“I knew we were talking about it for a little while, but for it to finally happen … I’m really emotional walking back onto this ground. I almost started crying.”

Betts said it was also a big wrench to leave his Adelaide teammates and the Crows’ fans.

But his return to Carlton will complete the circle on his journey that started in 2005.

Signing a one year deal, Betts also reportedly turned down a three-year deal from the Gold Coast Suns to return to the Blues.

Eddie Betts poses in his new kicks.

Betts joined the Crows in 2014 and had six packed seasons at Adelaide.

He noted the Crows had been through a lot in his time there, with the death of coach Phil Walsh and their tumultuous 2017 grand-final loss to Richmond.

“The emotions are still running through my system. The love and support I’ve been shown by Adelaide and the players, in particular — we’ve been through a lot,” he said.

“I’m still really connected to those players and we’re going to be friends for life.

“Just speaking about it now is making me emotional, because we were so tight- knit and to leave that group is really sad.”

Speaking on Trade Radio, former Port Adelaide star Kane Cornes said Betts is “a sporting god in Adelaide” and compare the impact he’d had on the Crows to Tony Modra.

.@kanecornes: "I’m not sure since Tony Modra there’s been a player that has had as big an impact on Adelaide as Eddie Betts.

"He is a sporting god in Adelaide."

The Late Trade, for AEG PowerTools#AFLTrade pic.twitter.com/4PuabvueLw

— Telstra AFL Trade Radio (@traderadio) October 14, 2019

It’s a feeling that many people shared.

If Eddie Betts ends up playing a game against @Adelaide_FC, you can absolutely guarantee there will not be a single boo in the stadium. He might actually be the first former player to ever be cheered by his old club for getting a possession against them.

— Adam Liaw (@adamliaw) October 14, 2019

You brought more to this club than you will ever know. You are an inspiration, the ultimate role model and just a ripping bloke. Thank you Eddie for donning the ❤️💛💙 Good luck at the Blues @CarltonFC, love ya bro. #weflyasone pic.twitter.com/7P3jOkA3zS

— Ryan Fitzgerald (@FitzySA) October 14, 2019

Eddie Betts is the most exciting thing to happen to Carlton since everyone woofed when Ang Christou kicked the ball

— Darren Levin (@darren_levin) October 14, 2019

I’m really happy Betts is back.
Really happy.

— Tegan Higginbotham (@TeganMH) October 14, 2019

Eddie Betts will finish his career at Carlton. Carlton have been good at finishing people’s careers.

— Titus O'Reily (@TitusOReily) October 14, 2019

But the most emotional tribute was from former skipper Taylor Walker, who said “‘good things do come to an end’ BUT our friendship will last forever”.

Crows general manager of list management and strategy Justin Reid also gave Betts a fitting send off in a statement on the Adelaide website.

“He has given our Members and supporters so much to cheer about and produced some moments of absolute brilliance and no one will ever forget ‘Eddie’s Pocket’ at Adelaide Oval,” Reid said.

Eddie Betts departs the Crows seemingly on good terms.

“Eddie has been such an important part of our forward line in recent years, and has consistently hit the scoreboard and brought teammates into the game with a selfless approach.

“He has also opened up his home and helped encourage and guide the next generation of indigenous players, while his work in the wider community has ensured he is a role model for all ages.

“Eddie, Anna and their children Lewis, Billy, Alice and Maggie will always be part of the Crows family and we wish them the very best with their move back to Victoria and for the years ahead.”

The freakish small forward, a three-time All Australian, has kicked 600 goals and has won the goal-of-the-year award four times.

New Carlton coach David Teague was an assistant at Adelaide and Betts said he played his best football when Teague was in charge of the forward line.

Betts is a fan favourite everywhere he plays.

He added Teague was a “really big pull” for the return to the Blues and that he still had plenty to show as a player.

“My leadership really stood up when I was over there and I believe I can still play some good footy … I believe I still have a lot to offer,” he said. “My body is fine — I will play until my body says I can’t play any more. I have no injuries … my agility is there; my speed is there.

“So it will be exciting — a different game plan, a different style.”

— with AAP