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Betts snares slice of AFL goal history

3 minute read

AFL forward Eddie Betts kicked one goal in Sunday's narrow defeat to Port Adelaide, taking his Carlton tally to 300. He previously kicked 310 with Adelaide.

EDDIE BETTS.
EDDIE BETTS. Picture: Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images

Carlton coach David Teague hailed Eddie Betts' contribution to the club - and the game in general - after the 33-year-old pocket wizard grabbed a slice of AFL/VFL goal-kicking history on Sunday.

Betts' one goal at the Gabba was not quite enough to lift the Blues to an upset win over Port Adelaide, who needed a shot after the siren to pinch the four points.

But the effort did allow him to become the third player in competition history to kick at least 300 goals at two separate clubs, joining champion forwards Tony Lockett and Lance Franklin in achieving the feat.

Betts clocked number 300 in typical fashion, gathering the ball at the base of the pack and baulking a Port Adelaide opponent before snapping a right-foot shot under pressure.

He also took a huge pack mark during the first quarter to help spark Carlton into life after the Power had made a hot start.

"He has to be right up there (among the game's best-ever forwards) and I think in terms of entertainment he's near the top," Teague said.

"He's won goal of the year a few times and he competes in the air as well.

"I love the joy he brings our fans and I know our fans will be disappointed that we didn't get the win ... but over the journey our fans have got a lot of joy out of watching Eddie play - both here and at Adelaide."

Betts has kicked 10 goals in six matches this year to push his Carlton tally to the triple-century.

That total has come in two stints either side of six seasons at Adelaide, where he booted 310 goals.

There were some doubts whether the 33-year-old could reproduce his best football in his second coming at Carlton, but Teague feels Betts' influence has been immense.

"He gives us leadership and he also brings energy and we see his smile out on the oval and his pressure as well," Teague said.

"He's been great for our playing group both on and off the field and he's educating us, as well, around some Aboriginal culture and areas like that."

Having reached the 300 milestone, Betts' weekend got even bigger post-match when the father-of-four announced on social media he and wife Anna Scullie will welcome a fifth child in December.

Lockett remains the competition's most prolific goal-kicker with 1360 all up for Sydney (462) and St Kilda (898).

Franklin (944) sits seventh all-time with 364 for the Swans to date after booting 580 for Hawthorn.

Betts (610) sits 32nd on the list, but is on track to creep into the top-30 by the end of this season, which could be his last.

He has played 319 games since making his debut in round one, 2005.

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