Palmerston Magpies want to be certain Carlton Blues legend Eddie Betts can quarantine at Howard Springs before officially announcing him as NTFL signing

Another week has gone by and we still haven’t heard confirmation from Palmerston on the biggest signing in NTFL history. HERE’S WHY.

ANOTHER week has gone by and still we have not heard an official announcement from Palmerston confirming what will be the biggest signing in NTFL history – Carlton legend Eddie Betts playing for the Magpies in the 2021-22 season.

But the club is now on the same page regarding why the official announcement has been put off.

Carlton legend Eddie Betts wants to come to Darwin to play for Palmerston in the NTFL, and the Magpies are working hard to make sure he will pass NT Government protocols. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

At first, many people within the Territory football community could not understand why the club would not go on the front foot and announce it, giving the club nationwide exposure.

Now, there is a clearer understanding as to why the club has held off publicly confirming it.

That is because Betts – and everybody associated with his move – are working frantically to have everything ready to go so he can get through his 14 days of quarantine at Howard Springs.

And Palmerston wants to be absolutely certain it can get its man up to Darwin.

The last thing Betts, his family, the Magpies and AFLNT would want would be for him to be turned around by NT Government officials and told to leave the quarantine facility.

Because it does not matter who you are right now – state and territory governments around Australia are not budging on their tough stances on letting people across their borders.

Just ask one of Australia’s top jockeys Glen Boss how hard it is to come to Darwin and do two weeks of quarantine right now.

At the drop of the hat you can have your approval revoked and be asked to leave.

Palmerston has remained tight-lipped on Eddie Betts’ commitment for the 2021-22 NTFL season because the club first wants to make sure he is certain of passing NT Government protocols. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

However, Betts has work lined up with good mate and two-time Geelong premiership winner Mathew Stokes’ company, AIME, where he will mentor Indigenous people in remote areas.

And this is why Palmerston officials are quietly more confident than not that they will be able to officially announce Betts’ signing soon.