AFL great Eddie Betts will depart his role at Geelong Cats after one year as a part-time development coach, working two days a week supporting the assistant coaches.
Having experienced a coaching role, Betts has expressed his appetite to focus more time on his new foundation supporting young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to pursue their sporting dreams.
Betts said he was thankful to be part of the Cats in 2022 and looking forward to exploring new opportunities.
“Although I am stepping away from the club environment, I hope through my new foundation, I can continue to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people as they enter the AFL space and other professional sporting fields,” he said.
“I was fortunate enough to be involved in a small way to win the Premiership and although that is why we all want to be involved in footy – there is always that pull inside me to be involved in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to achieve their goals in sport on a broader scale.
“I really want to thank all the coaching staff, the broader club, the staff and the players who accepted me as part of the team very quickly and wish them all the best for next season.”General Manager of Football Simon Lloyd thanked Betts for his contribution.
“Eddie has been a great asset and contributor to our club and football program this past season, he has impacted our playing group with his ability to build strong relationships and connections,” he said.
“He has also had a positive influence on our playing group, especially our younger players and forwards.
“We thank Eddie for the contribution he has made to the Cats, particularly as part of a premiership season and we wish him, Anna and their family all the best.”
