Eddie Betts | 2021 Season Review
Written by Ari Stamatakos
SEASON SYNOPSIS
Whilst we didn’t know that it would be his swansong, we all knew that there was limited time left to enjoy the marvel that it Eddie Betts. After a surprisingly good start to 2020, his underwhelming end to the year brought the inevitable even closer. His first game of the year was against the Dockers in round 3, where he turned back the clock to raptures applause. He had an aura throughout the year, even when he got near the ball, the energy was palpable and whenever he did something magical, the roof exploded off the place. While he didn’t get that Mark Of The Year that he wanted and said he was going for, his final game was still typical Eddie Betts. Lurking out the back of packs and his dancing feet were all on show as one of the greatest small forwards ever, provided one final season to remember and moments that will be replayed for years and years to come. For an extensive breakdown of Eddie’s career, check out the Blue Abroad tribute piece https://www.blueabroad.com.au/the-latest/carltons-little-magician-farewell-eddie
BEST PERFORMANCE
Eddie provided us with one more memorable game on his farewell tour. Whilst not being the ideal day for the Blues, Eddie provided us with some magic against The Dogs in round 8
Kicking 5 goals, each showcases the best he has to offer. From the hack kick out of mid-air to start proceedings. Some expert positioning out the back of the pack to kick his second. Checky ball-handling to get boot to ball quickly off his left to kick his third. Before he opened up the angle and slotted through his fourth. Lastly, a rudimentary set-shot, not as flashy as the other but as classy as everything else. From his 13 touches, he went at 100% and had 8 score involvements. He was as damaging as ever, he was back to his very best and it was a lesson for all budding small forwards about what to do, and a lesson for all defenders, about what not to do.
2021 REPORT CARD RATING
C+
STATUS HEADING INTO 2022
Retired.
