He’s a three-time All Australian, a three-time Goal of the Year recipient and a soon-to-be 300-gamer, but to his teammates Eddie Betts is so much more.
He’s been a father figure to every Indigenous player who’s pulled on the tricolours since he joined Adelaide at the end of 2013.
So much so, the current players refer to him as ‘Poppa Eddie’.
In the lead up to his coveted milestone, several of Eddie’s Indigenous teammates shared just how much of an impact the Crows star has had on not just their football careers, but their lives.
When Wayne Milera Junior first walked through the doors of West Lakes in 2015, Eddie was the first to make him feel at home.
“He made me feel so welcome and you just always know if you want to talk about something, he’s always there and his door is always open,” he said.
“He’s that caring it’s not funny, he’d give you his own jacket off his back to help you out.
“The Betts family is like my second family – it’s been amazing to see the kids grow up, too.”
To be a part of Eddie’s 300th game was something Wayne was still wrapping his head around.
“Before I got drafted, I never even thought I would play alongside Eddie, let alone be there for his 300th,” Wayne said.
“It’s great for football and great for Indigenous people and he’s a role model all around - I’m honoured to be a part of it.”
After Ben Davis arrived at the Crows in 2016, it didn’t take long for Eddie to go from being a footballer Ben idolised to one of his closest mates.
“When I first moved over [to South Australia], he was a massive influence for me, my main role model,” Ben said.
“The main thing about Eddie is that when he welcomes new players, he always makes sure we feel like we’re family first and teammates second.
“He’s always one to joke around and can sense when there needs to be a laugh… he often acts like a child or a kid around us and just has fun with us.
"Our Snapchat group's called Poppa Eddie because he's our father figure... plus, he's an old fella now."
For Ben, it was an honour to watch someone so special achieve so much.
“I’ve known him for three years and getting to know him on a deeper level and what he’s been through, I couldn’t be happier for what he’s achieved,” he said.
“This [Eddie’s 300th game] is a massive deal from where he’s come from and the type of person he is, and what he does for us Indigenous boys.
“No one is more deserving.”
Cam Ellis-Yolmen was already a Crow when Eddie arrived, but the 26-year-old said the pair had formed a connection far earlier.
“I actually met him in Ireland at an Indigenous game and he gave me a good idea then that he was coming to the Crows,” Cam said.
“Once he did arrive, he welcomed me into his home straight away.”
Cam said Eddie’s incredible career went far beyond the magic he created on the football field.
“He’s done amazing things for Indigenous people and, most importantly, he’s an amazing father and friend,” he said.
“He’s always been there for me and he’s gone through some tough times in his life so he always has the best advice.”
“I admire everything he’s done… he’s come from nothing and turned his life around through footy.”
