An Essendon fan has learned the hard way not to bet against Eddie when it comes to goalkicking.

Paul Dunn was trying to put Betts off his kick when made a wager with the mercurial forward as he lined up for goal on the boundary line at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

The decision backfired when the skilful Crow coolly slotted the goal – his 100^th for the Club. In celebration, Betts turned to face the crowd, including Paul, and shrugged his shoulders.

The story quickly spread amongst the Crows and Bomber players and made its way into the media.

“There was another Essendon supporter right behind Eddie, who was giving some pretty good stick to try and put him off,” Paul said of the moment.

“Just as Eddie was running in to kick I pretty much said, ‘We’ll put a slab of (Jim) Beam cans on it’. I thought it might tweak him a little bit, but instead he’s kicked a great goal.

“He turned around and celebrated and I gave him a nod to acknowledge the kick.”

A man of his word, Paul was eager to pay up on his bet.

The Bombers member, who is involved with Essendon’s VFL affiliate, reached out to friends in the football industry and managed to get hold of Victorian-born Crows defender, Daniel Talia, who in turn got in touch with Eddie.

“Eddie sent me a message last night and we had a chat over text,” Paul said.

“I said, “I’ll pay up on the bet. It was your 100^th goal and a damn good goal, you deserve it.”

Eddie was happy for the bet to be honoured, but asked that Paul make a donation to the Adelaide Crows Children’s Foundation in place of the original offer. Paul has kindly agreed to the request.

“A bet is a bet,” Eddie said with a laugh.

“It’s great that Paul is going to pay up and we can do some good with it.

“Maybe, he’ll think twice before betting against me next time!”

Betts was typically modest in talking about his latest remarkable goal.

“I just had a crack and it went in,” he said.

“To be honest, I didn’t know it was my 100^th goal for the Crows but it was a nice one to get.”

Eddie Betts and the Essendon crowd, including Paul Dunn (right) pictured in the grey suit