AFL legend Eddie Betts calls on the AFL to support NTFL pathways

AFL legend Eddie Betts has called on the AFL to invest more in the NTFL after spending “the best holiday I’ve been on” in the Top End.

AFL legend Eddie Betts has called on the AFL to invest more in the NTFL after spending “the best holiday I’ve been on” in the Top End.

It comes after the former Carlton and Adelaide star completed a seven-game stint in the NTFL with the Palmerston Magpies.

Betts made his debut against the reigning premiers Nightcliff Tigers on November 13 in front of an incredibly eager crowd at Cazalys Arena.

It wasn’t a win for his side on that day but he still managed to wow supporters of both teams with two special goals, including a trademark effort from the right forward pocket.

He went on to play six more times for the Magpies, racking up 13 goals over his Territory tenure while constantly catching the eye of NTFL supporters.

And while he loved getting the chance to play in the NTFL, Betts called for the league to get more support from the national body.

“It was fantastic, I’ve always admired NT footy. It was good to play up there and a bit different to what I’m used to,” Betts said.

“Some clubs are very structured, have some great players and play a great brand of footy but there’s a real need for more resources in the NTFL to be honest.

“The AFL needs to invest in the NTFL, there’s really not much money up there. There are teams which don’t even have a footy club, a home ground. They don’t have change rooms.”

Eddie Betts lines up for a goal in his Palmerston Magpies debut against the Nightcliff Tigers. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The AFL’s three-time Goal of the Year winner threw his support behind a Territory AFL side earlier in the season, but stated junior pathways had to be improved first.

Currently, a number of the Territory’s best young players, including Palmerston’s Waylon and Elijah Davey, had moved interstate to progress their footballing career while at school.

“We need better pathways for young kids and when that is there you can start looking for an AFL side,” Betts said.

“There’s so much talent up there, it’s amazing but it’s also really untapped to be honest.

“Until you get those junior pathways right and more resources up there things won’t progress, that support is the only way we can improve. It starts from the juniors up.”

However, he savoured his time playing in the Territory and reconnecting with friends Alwyn and Russell Davey at Palmerston.

Waratah’s Abe Ankers and Palmerston’s Eric Guthrie were two players who caught his eye in particular while he described the fast and skilful Tiwi Bombers “beautiful” to watch.

“(Palmerston’s) a great community club. My family loved it and my kids loved it. I had to get used to the thunderstorms at first but I loved my time up there,” he said.

Betts confirmed he has ambitions of making a return to the Top End, promising a mass recruitment drive for Palmerston.

He also hopes to catch the elusive Million Dollar Barra.

Eddie Betts with Waratah’s Abe Ankers who he called one of the top talents of the NTFL. Picture: Glenn Campbell

But it was his work helping inspire young people to become important and productive parts of their communities that he perhaps will cherish the most.

“I’ve been to New York, I’ve basically been all around the world, but Darwin is probably the best holiday I’ve been on,” Betts said.

“It was stuff I was passionate about, going into Aboriginal communities, taking my kids into the communities, staying connected.

“Playing grassroots footy with Palmerston. Going fishing. Meeting some great people up there. It was just great.

“We want to do it again, put our kids in school here and create some more memories. I’m looking forward to coming back and if I do I’m going to recruit big for the Magpies and we’re going to make sure that they play in the finals next season. Hopefully I can do that and bring more talent to the Territory.”