Exciting forward Eddie Betts has officially joined the Crows on a four-year deal.

The Crows lodged the offer with the AFL at the commencement of the Free Agency period on Friday. Carlton declined to match the offer to Betts, allowing the Restricted Free Agent to join his club of choice, Adelaide.

Betts, 26, played 184 games for the Blues, establishing himself as one of the premier small forwards in the AFL. The elusive goalkicker ranks No.1 in the League for score assists (195) and forward 50m tackles (168) in the last five years.

He topped Carlton’s goalkicking in 2010 and 2012, averaging 42 goals a season since 2009. Betts has kicked a career total of 290 goals.

The 173cm, 73kg, livewire was selected in the All-Australian squads of 2011 and 2012 and finished runner-up in the Blues best and fairest in 2012. He represented Australia in the International Rules Series in 2010.

General Manager of List Development and Strategy David Noble said Betts would be an asset to Adelaide’s developing attack.

“We’re thrilled Eddie has chosen to be part of our Club,” Noble said.

“We wanted to add more goalkicking power to our forward line and we think Eddie fits the bill perfectly. Eddie not only kicks goals, but he creates opportunities and applies strong defensive pressure, which we also identified as a need.

“Eddie is a fantastic character and will be a wonderful addition to our playing group.”

Betts had an interrupted 2013 season, missing six games because of a fractured jaw and suspension. He kicked 27 goals from 18 games as he adjusted to a new game plan under a new coach. He came to the fore on the September stage, kicking three goals in an influential Elimination Final display against Richmond and two in Carlton’s Semi-Final loss to the Sydney Swans.

Born in Port Lincoln, Betts played junior football at Mallee Park – the same club as Adelaide great Graham Johncock – and grew up supporting the Crows. He moved to Melbourne as a teenager and was recruited by Carlton with pick No.3 in the 2005 Pre-Season Draft.

Crows ruckman Sam Jacobs, who played alongside Betts at Carlton before seeking a trade to Adelaide, was quick to welcome his ‘little mate’ to West Lakes on Twitter.