Eddie Betts: Cleared to play for Rumbalara in Murray league
A club yet to win a game this season is hoping the appearance of a former Adelaide and Carlton star will turn around its fortunes.
Former Carlton and Adelaide goalkicking wizard Eddie Betts will line-up for Rumbalara against undefeated Deniliquin in the Murray league on Saturday, in what the club hopes will be the first of many appearances.
Betts’ shock inclusion was confirmed on Thursday night is a massive boost for Rumbalara which is yet to win a match this season.
President Josh Atkinson said Betts, who played a combined 350 matches for the Blues and Crows and booted 640 career goals, was the highest profile indigenous player to line-up for the club since Nathan Lovett-Murray.
“It’s a one off at this stage, but we’re hoping it will be more than that obviously,” Atkinson said.
“We know he will bring a lot to the team, but he will also be a massive drawcard for the club in general.
“We don’t know whether we are under estimating or over estimating what the crowd will be.
“But we’re certainly preparing for a big one.”
Murray league general manager Dale Norman confirmed Betts would be a six point player in the match.
Rumbalara is coached by former St Kilda and North Melbourne player Jason Traianidis.
“We have got injuries,” Atkinson said.
“We have eight injuries out of the first two rounds.
“It’s the main reason.”
Betts played for Palmerston during the summer months and is also juggling media work and a development coaching role at Geelong this year.
The game will be played just days before Betts alongside seven other former AFL stars take part in Carlton Draught’s new promotion — The Carlton Draft — which will see them recruited to local clubs across Victoria.