Carlton fan favourite Eddie Betts has agreed to be placed on the club’s rookie list, with the Blues describing the 33-year-old’s decision as a “selfless act”.

The AFL has confirmed clubs could move two senior players to their rookie list effective immediately.

The move from Betts means the Blues — who also retained Matthew Kennedy on their rookie list — will not need to make any further changes to their current senior squad.

It also provides the Blues with salary cap relief, given $80,000 of a rookie’s contract falls outside of the cap.

Both Betts and Kennedy will continue to be available for senior selection throughout the 2021 season.

The club’s head of football, Brad Lloyd, said Betts deserved praise for his decision to shift to the club’s rookie list.

“We approached Eddie about the possibility of making this decision and as soon as Eddie knew how this opportunity would help the club, he agreed straight away,” Lloyd said in a Blues statement.

“Eddie’s selfless act is another example of how committed he is to our football club, his teammates and his willingness to do whatever he can to help this group in its pursuit of success.”

Betts agreed to a one-year contract extension earlier this month.

The Blues said the details of Betts’s contract would remain unchanged.

Betts, who turns 34 tomorrow, will contest his 17th AFL season in 2021.

He made his debut for the Blues in 2005 and returned to the club this season after playing for the Crows between 2013 and 2019.

Betts played 15 of the Blues’ 17 matches in 2020 and kicked 13 goals. The three-time All-Australian has made 331 senior appearances during his decorated career.

ABC/AAP



Source link