’Invigorated’ Carlton favourite eyes 17th season

EDDIE Betts is determined to play on into a 17th season, with all indications Carlton will back him in for 2021.

Betts’ manager Garry Winter said Betts was invigorated by his return to the Blues after a strong season that has mixed spectacular moments with some quieter games.

Betts helped Carlton win its first game at GMHBA Stadium since 1996 with a magical last minute in Round 3 that included a game-sealing tackle on Jack Henry. He also kicked four goals against the Western Bulldogs in Round 6.

Betts returned to the club where he played the first nine seasons of his career on a one-year deal that Adelaide has also helped top up financially.

Winter said Betts, who turns 34 in November, was determined to play on, given his enjoyment of a season where quick turnarounds have hampered recoveries.

“He was keen to sign a two-year deal, but Carlton said they had a policy where players over 30 sign oneyear deals and they wouldn’t breach that,” he said.

“The intention is that he will play on and it still feels like he is adding value on the field, but he doesn’t want to force anyone to keep him on the books.

“At this stage it’s been a disrupted season and it’s hard for players to get a crack at it, but he’s won a couple of games off his own boot.

“While he’s had a few quiet games, he has a high standard and with his seniority and the help he is providing to young guys the feedback we are getting from Carlton is they are ecstatic.

“The reason he came back was family matters, but I think he’s been invigorated. He feels like it’s a new lease on life.”

Carlton is set to sign up swingman Levi Casboult after an excellent season while Lachie Plowman and Caleb Marchbank are priority signings.

Carlton chief executive Cain Liddle would not discuss the club’s chase for Tom Papley this week, but there is no doubt the Blues will again try to drag him free from Sydney.

Marc Murphy and Matthew Kreuzer are also expected to play on.