The race is on as multiple NTFL clubs look to sign retired AFL legend Eddie Betts

The chase is on with multiple NTFL clubs trying to secure the highly-prized signature of retired AFL legend Eddie Betts — and his potential arrival has the full support of the AFLNT.

THE chase is on with multiple NTFL clubs trying to secure the signature of retired AFL legend Eddie Betts and his potential arrival has the full support of the AFLNT.

Betts, 34, has reportedly been in discussions with multiple clubs as he looks to spend a season in the Top End with Wanderers and Palmerston Magpies understood to be among the prime candidates.

The arrival of the 350-game goal kicker for Carlton and Adelaide is no stranger to playing in the Top End most recently playing in the Blues victory over Gold Coast at TIO Stadium in 2020.

AFLNT chief executive Stuart Totham said the arrival of Betts would not only provide a spectacle for the NTFL faithful but also boost the profile of the Top End sport nationally.

“AFLNT is aware of multiple NTFL clubs recently engaging and discussing with Eddie about the opportunity of playing in the NTFL this upcoming season,” Totham said.

“It would be terrific for the league if Eddie were to come up for the season. It would be great to see him running out on Territory turf again.”

Eddie Betts was part of the Carlton squad that faced Gold Coast at TIO Stadium in 2020. Picture: Che Chorley

“It would also deliver increased exposure and raise the profile of the NTFL both locally and interstate.

“Eddie is a great role model and to have him play at local venues during the upcoming TIO NTFL season would be an inspiration for our younger players.

“It would mean the world for Territory kids to be able to watch and observe a footy legend and hero right in their backyard and maybe even at their own footy club.

“We are open to these discussions in terms of the potential to engage Eddie through our talent, remote and game development programs,” Totham said.

“We welcome the prospect of Eddie coming to the Territory and being part of the NTFL season and beyond.”

Wanderers’ president Jerome Cubillo previously confirmed his club was in strong discussions with the four time AFL Goal of the Year winner.

“We’ve been talking to Eddie along with a few other clubs, but we’re certainly keen to find a way to get him to the Muk Muks,” Cubillo said.

“It will be exciting to see Eddie playing footy in Darwin and even better if he’s kicking goals in a blue and gold jumper.”

Palmerston Magpies were called for comment.

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EARLIER EXCLUSIVE: Carlton’s goalkicking wizard Eddie Betts is a serious chance to wear the blue and gold of Wanderers or the black and white of the Palmerston Magpies in the 2021-22 NTFL season.

Betts, 34, is in negotiations with the Eagles to relocate to Darwin and play the entire Top End fixture with last season’s preliminary finalists.

Wanderers president Jerome Cubillo confirmed the retired 350-game goalkicker with the AFL Blues and Adelaide was a big target.

“We’ve been talking to Eddie along with a few other clubs, but we’re certainly keen to find a way to get him to the Muk Muks,’’ Cubillo said.

“It will be exciting to see Eddie playing footy in Darwin and even better if he’s kicking goals in a blue and gold jumper.’’

Cubillo said some obstacles had to be cleared before Betts ran out for the season opener against Southern Districts on October 2.

AFL icon Eddie Betts is in serious talks to play for the Wanderers in the upcoming NTFL season. Picture: Michael Klein

“It’s going to be a hard ask because he’s talking about relocation to the Territory for the whole season if that is possible with his family.

“Obviously he’s got a family with three boys and two girls, so we’re trying to go through the process with due diligence and see if we can afford him.’’

Betts booted 640 goals in a 16-year AFL career that ran from 2005 until this year.

A crowd favourite with an uncanny ability to kick impossible goals, he won the AFL’s Goal of the Year award in 2007 with a classic banana kick against Collingwood.

An outspoken critic against racism while pleading for a united Australia in sport and life, Betts has created a series of educational books for children.

His second book ‘My People’ focused on sharing and educating young Australians on Aboriginal culture and First Nations people.

As a proud Aboriginal Australian from Port Lincoln in South Australia, Betts has pushed hard for the youth of this country to learn and create their own understanding of First Nations culture.

Cubillo hopes Carlton supporters across the Territory will contribute towards his club’s pursuit of Betts.

“We’re hoping we can afford Eddie, he’ll be a big asset for us and the game if we can get him to Wanderers for the whole season,’’ he said.

“It’s why we’re trying to see if we can find a mad Carlton sponsor to help us out.’’

In other recruiting news for Wanderers, Lateesha Jeffrey, the daughter of Wanderers great Russell and a women’s football great, is moving back home.