Goodbye and thanks, Eddie Betts

[CrowBloke]

This is maybe my favourite - you could see more of it on the original telecast, but as Eddie was lining up there was a group of Essendon supporters standing near the fence - I think they might have given him some gentle stick, then he kicked it, and all they could do was smile

Yeah, noticed that (maybe 5 or 6 times, cos I watched the whole thing that many times, ha!)
Bloke in the grey suit just smiles and nods, as if to say "Yeah, too good".

WeeBlake , too ... I've been playing/watching footy for a long, long time and I cannot remember a more skillful, mercurial, sleight-of-hand trickster magician as a small forward, than Betts. He might have some peers, maybe a group of 3 or 4 others who really stood out like him (Matthews, Daicos, Akermanis ..?) but none better.
Blighty was mercurial but he was a mid/"follower" back then and while he was speedy with a freakish torp, Betts was cleverer, in my opinion.
Bett's ability to paddle the ball around, in front, behind him, through an opponent's legs ffs (!! ), then finishing from ridiculous angles is reminiscent of Lionel Messi at his mind-boggling best.

 

[CrowBloke]

...And the commentary on this one:

"Oh it's gone through - deathly silence - he's still turning his tricks!"



View attachment 1211443

Most-repeated comments, disbelieving appreciation:
"No"
"Oh, no!"
"Noooo!" ... when Eddie made the impossible, possible.

 

[MatthewB]

Triple MMM started a petition to rename the pocket to the Eddie Betts pocket

Can you spare a minute to help Matthew Bradshaw?

Make The 'Eddie Betts Pocket' A Permanent Part Of Adelaide Oval

chng.it

 

[MarcusP2]

This is maybe my favourite - you could see more of it on the original telecast, but as Eddie was lining up there was a group of Essendon supporters standing near the fence - I think they might have given him some gentle stick, then he kicked it, and all they could do was smile

Is this the one where the spectator bet him a case of beer he wouldn't kick it?

On Pixel 5 using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[arrowman]

Is this the one where the spectator bet him a case of beer he wouldn't kick it?

On Pixel 5 using BigFooty.com mobile app

Aha, yes, I believe that was the story; I hope it was true!

 

[John Who]

Dead set legend! No surer Hall-of-famer than Betts in a few years time!

On-field: a class above most due to his amazing ability to keep on his feet, control of the ball when not in possession, kicking equally well on both feet, and seemingly have all the trick shots you can conjure up as a forward.

Off-field: a class above most, having to deal with early adult life crisis, episodes of being a victim of racism, becoming a loving husband/father, becoming a role model for the Indigenous community as well as a fine ambassador for the footy community.

So overall, a class act both on-field and off-field! And doing it with pure passion and a cheeky grin too! Thanks Eddie for all the memories!

 

[MatthewB]

never heard this story about Eddie before

What you might not know about AFL legend Eddie Betts

Local sporting legend Eddie Betts has announced his retirement from AFL this week, prompting a score of tributes to the iconic athlete and his incredible career.

glamadelaide.com.au

 

[BACCS]

Gave us some of our best moments of the past 20 years, and he also gave us the moment I knew we were no chance to win the GF because the fix was in

View attachment 1209827

That picture haunts me

 

[MatthewB]

That picture haunts me

we was on the opposite side of the ground and call see that was holding the man, most of the day has been erased from our existence

 

[BACCS]

we was on the opposite side of the ground and call see that was holding the man, most of the day has been erased from our existence

Even BT is screaming out for that to be paid, that's how bad that decision was

 

[Murray2503]

When I saw that, I knew we were doomed as well.
One of many similar incidents.
If you doubt, watch this:

The umpires were never allowing us to win. Was worse than WWE.