Eddie Betts barely had time to unpack his bags after returning home from his trip with the Australian International Rules team when he popped into the Club on Tuesday and gave Adelaide recruiters his two cents worth on the National Draft … “Get Milera”.
Betts had never met prospective draftee Wayne Milera, but the All Australian forward had seen and heard enough to know he wanted the Central District livewire as a teammate.
Betts and the Crows, who really didn't need any added incentive, got their way, with the Club selecting Milera with its first pick (No.11 overall) in the Draft. It didn’t take long for Betts to reach out to the exciting teenager, telling him ‘It’s nice to have another brother at the Club’.”
Milera, who is from a long line of Crows supporters, grinned from ear to ear when asked about the prospect of playing alongside the two-time Adelaide leading goalkicker.
“Andrew McLeod was my favourite player. I saw the back end (of his career), and Eddie Betts is my favourite player now,” Milera said.
“It’ll be full on (to play with Eddie).”
Crows National Recruiting Manager Hamish Ogilvie said Betts and McLeod would be great mentors for Milera, particularly as he finds his feet in the AFL.
“Both Eddie and Andrew, as Indigenous players, provide great support to all of our Indigenous boys,” Ogilvie said.
“It’s a good support for those guys and now also for Wayne coming in.
"Hopefully, that’ll mean we get the best out of Wayne.”
Milera met McLeod for the first time at the Club on Wednesday and is looking forward to catching up with Betts, who will return to training with the 5+ year players next week.
The skilful midfielder/forward said he was looking forward to getting stuck into training.
”You dream about it, since you were a little kid,” he said.
“For that dream to finally come true is just unreal – I’m over the moon about it.
“Considering there are only two clubs here in SA, it was a slim chance (that I would stay in Adelaide) but I’m very happy I’m at the Crows. My family loved it. Mum and Dad are Crows supporters too, so they’re thrilled with that … and just to see me get on an AFL list too.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”
