Eddie Betts ready to swoop into action and bring Palmerston to the top

AFL legend Eddie Betts has thrown his support behind a Darwin-based AFL side, following his first taste of NTFL action on the weekend. Here's what he had to say.

AFL legend Eddie Betts has thrown his support behind a Darwin-based AFL side, following his first taste of NTFL action last weekend.

Betts made his NTFL debut for the Palmerston Magpies against a strong Nightcliff Tigers unit.

And though he didn’t come out on the winning side, he did grab two popular, crowd-rousing goals and found himself more than impressed with the level of play and talent in the NTFL.

So much so, he has thrown his support behind the much talked-about potential Darwin-based AFL team, saying that with some funding and development, Territory talent can go far.

And while he suggested high-profile Territorians Xavier Clarke, Michael Long and Darryl White as potential coaching options, he said he would like to help out in some aspect.

“I would support an NT team because there’s some real talent up here, especially with these young Aboriginal kids,” Betts said.

“Funding through the junior levels will go a long way and if we can get that development going up here, who knows what will happen?

“There are plenty of people who have put their hands up for the coaching position if it came about, but I’d like to help out in some aspect, but we will see how we go.

“You’ve seen the likes of Cyril (Rioli Jr) who had to move away to Melbourne. If we have that youth development and investment up here, you never know what you will get out of it, another Rioli?”

Eddie Betts makes his debut for Palmerston against Nightcliff at Cazaleys Oval. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Betts has already made an impression both off and on the field for Palmerston, pushing his side to train and play harder.

It is paying dividends for the side full of youngsters who have for years seen the former Carlton and Adelaide player perform on the big stage.

The Magpies have managed two wins this season and they have also run big sides closer than they have in previous years.

Eddie Betts' gets stuck in at training with Palmerston Magpies

WILL Eddie Betts work his magic and create a new forward pocket in his name at Cazalys Arena when he finally takes to the field in the black and white of the Palmerston Magpies?

That’s what Magpies will be hoping for when he swoops into action on Sunday against Southern Districts.

The Palmerston men’s side had already enjoyed plenty of insight from the Carlton and Adelaide legend, who was team runner in their round 5 match against St Mary’s.

His presence around the training track has seen a massive boost in enthusiasm from the Magpies, who have already given themselves much to smile about early in the 2021-22 season.

And that enthusiasm will go up to a whole new level when he finally takes to the field for Palmerston, where he has a number of old friends, including Alwyn and Aaron Davey.

Former Carlton and Adelaide champion Eddie Betts training with NTFL club Palmerston Magpies. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Betts will be in the Top End until January ahead of his appointment as a Geelong coach and will also be spending his time helping and ­inspiring kids in the NT’s remote communities.

“I love footy, I will play until my body says I can’t play anymore, even if it’s not at the top level,” Betts said.

“I’m really excited to get stuck in with Palmerston. It’s a bit different to what I am used to but I can’t wait to start and help out.”

The three-time goal of the year winner chuckled when asked if there was anywhere at Cazalys Oval he would want to mark down as his new pocket.

“I’ve already been told by Froggy (Alwyn Davey) that he has every single pocket here so I might have to take one from him,” Betts said.

“This is a developing side with some new coaches and players.

“They won three games last year and this year their record is two wins so they still have some improvement and hopefully I can help.

“I can try to share some of my knowledge and set up some structure down there. It’s pretty flat out here but I’m going to try to get to as many communities and play as many games as I can.”

Palmerston coach Josh Heath said it was exciting to have someone of the calibre of Betts in the side in training and on game day.

“I think all the boys will be up and about at training and to have someone of his calibre guiding the blokes is fantastic,” Heath said.

“We let Eddie and (wife) Anna do what they need to do for family and work and after that it was just about ticking the right boxes.

“We were really happy they chose to come here.

“That natural attrition is something the boys have got around. But also how he’s got around them has been great, learning their names and being out there running and guiding them on the field last week.”

But his focus in the NT is on far more than footy.

The legendary AFL player who plied his trade at Carlton and Adelaide inspired many with his playing heroics but now hopes to inspire even more by working directly in remote communities.

And his recent retirement from being a professional player has swung that door wide open for him as he hopes to inspire kids to read, write and graduate.

“In the AFL there was a structure which meant at this time of year we were in pre-season and couldn’t go into communities,” Betts said.

“I want kids to go to school and graduate, I want kids to be able to read and write, that’s what I’m passionate about.

“I couldn’t read or write when I got drafted which was really tough so I want kids to be role models in their communities.

“I always wanted to do this but didn’t have the opportunity and help them go to school. My wife said when I retired that ‘your journey starts now’ and being a leader for these communities makes that true. My job starts now.”

Originally published as Eddie Betts ready to swoop into action and bring Palmerston to the top