The champion’s striker Eddie Betts was lauded for a “selfless act” that helped Carlton make a crucial call before the AFL list’s first deadline.
The Blues on Wednesday confirmed Betts, a three-time All-Australian and 613-goal star with Carlton and the Crows, had agreed to be put on the club’s rookie list for 2021.
The move means the Blues now don’t need to make any further list changes to their current playlist.
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Betts, who will turn 35 on Thursday, signed a new one-year deal with Carlton two weeks ago to advance his decorated AFL career into a 17th season.
The club said the details of Betts’ contract remain unchanged.
“We reached out to Eddie about the opportunity to make that decision. As soon as Eddie knew how this opportunity would help the club, he immediately agreed,” said Brad Lloyd, head of blues football.
“Eddie’s selfless act is another example of how committed he is to our football club, his teammates and his willingness to do whatever it takes to help this group in their quest for success.”
The Blues also confirmed that midfielder Matthew Kennedy would be retained for 2021 but would join Betts on the rookie list.
Carlton’s roster announcements come after the AFL confirmed the clubs can add two senior players to their rookie roster with immediate effect.
“It’s also a great result that we’ve got Matthew back under contract without having to wait for the rookie draft,” said Lloyd. “Matthew really wanted to stay at the club, and we wanted to keep him. So it is a great result for everyone involved that this is now complete.
“We’d like to acknowledge the AFL for making a rule this off-season that removes the unnecessary pre-draft fear that can exist for players without a contract.”
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