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Betts' Blues show to roll on for 2021

3 minute read

Eddie Betts' manager Garry Winter says Carlton were always keen for the 33-year-old to play on next year if he wanted to.

EDDIE BETTS.
EDDIE BETTS. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images

Eddie Betts fans can rejoice after it was confirmed the Carlton livewire will play on next year.

Doubts about Betts' future had been bubbling in recent months, but his manager Garry Winter says the Blues are keen for the soon-to-be 34-year-old to continue in 2021.

"There was never a doubt that a deal would have been done. There were just minor details ... to work through for next year," Winter told AFL Trade radio.

"Carlton had fully committed to Eddie for next year once he said he wanted to keep going.

"It was more around the structure of the contract and the fine details (that they were working through).

"Eddie feels like he's still got a huge amount to offer the club on the field and he really wants to take the game to the next level next year."

Betts booted 13 goals from 15 games this year in his first season back at Carlton following six years at Adelaide.

The 331-game veteran produced his best display in the round six win over the Western Bulldogs, when he kicked 4.1 from 14 disposals.

But he endured a lean end to the season, kicking just three goals in his final nine games.

Betts is one of the most loved figures in AFL ranks, and he has become a leader in the fight against racism.

Earlier this year, Betts opened up about his fight against racism, saying there were even times when he questioned his future in the AFL due to the vilification he received in his day-to-day life.

"I've got to set up barriers every day when I leave the house, thinking I'm going to get racially abused when I'm driving or when I go to a supermarket," Betts said.

"All I want to do is rock up to training, play and enjoy the game of footy.

"I'm sick and tired of it, but I want the AFL to be a safe platform for young Aboriginal kids to come and enjoy and play footy without being racially abused.

"It deeply hurts, and you think to yourself, 'Why do I keep playing footy if I keep copping this?' But I want to make a change."

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