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AFL trades 2020: Carlton Blues forward Eddie Betts signs on for 17th season

Headshot of Bonnie Raynor
Bonnie RaynorThe West Australian
VideoWest Coast and Fremantle both got deals done on day one of the AFL Trade period with Zac Langdon arriving and Jesse Hogan departing.

Lock it in, Eddie.

Carlton speedster Eddie Betts has signed a one-year extension to enter his 17th AFL season in 2021.

Betts, who turns 34 in three weeks, was never in any doubt to play on next year despite uncertainty over list sizes, his manager says.

"I think the club is going to announce something but I have to say there was never a doubt the deal would be done,” Garry Winter said on Trade Radio.

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"It was just minor details to work through for next year.

“Carlton had fully committed to Eddie for next year once he said he wanted to keep going, which was great for the club and great for Eddie.”

The Game AFL 2024

The evergreen veteran was take with pick three in the 2004 pre-season draft, where he played nine seasons before a shift to the Adelaide Crows at the end of 2013.

He returned to the Blues at the end of the 2019 season, in a fairytale move that’d see him finish his career in the navy blue where it started.

Eddie Betts of the Blues celebrates with teammates after winning the round 3 AFL match.
Camera IconEddie Betts of the Blues celebrates with teammates after winning the round 3 AFL match. Credit: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

But the end is not nigh, with Betts signalling he had no intention of retiring at the end of this season.

"It was never down to list sizes it was minor details in the contract,” Winter said.

“Eddie feels he's still got a lot to offer on the field so he's looking forward to taking his game to the next level next year."

Betts kicked 13 goals from 15 games this season.

Meanwhile the Western Bulldogs have offered midfielder Lin Jong a one-year extension for 2021.

The deal is yet to formally be signed, but Winter confirmed it was all-but done.

"He'll be back at the Dogs in 2021 and happily so,” Winter said,

"We're just waiting for him to have a bit of (injury) luck and string some games together. I think it's just getting that consistency.

"Credit to the Bulldogs, they really respect Lin and want to see him in full flight, getting a good run at games.

"If he can get a good run at games, 10-12 next season, I think we'll see him take his game to the next level."

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