“It really means a lot to me,” Betts said.
“I just listened to the Syd Jackson story this time last year. About how he was stolen from his family and never saw his mum again. So to come over to Victoria and play 150-odd games with Carlton is just amazing.”
Betts can also draw from his one family’s experience for motivation.
“My mum’s dad was stolen and never got to see his mum and dad again. So it’s very important for a lot of us indigenous boys to go out and have a really good game this weekend.”
The 21-year-old forward admits that he is envious of Richmond and Essendon’s indigenous players, who have the opportunity to play in the “Dreamtime” game at the MCG.
“That’s the game you would love to play in. It’s very special to a lot of indigenous players and most of us would love to be playing in it.”
However, despite the fact that he’d love to be involved Betts says he wouldn’t like to see the annual pairing changed to incorporate other teams.
“It’s such a tradition and with the colours of the two jumpers being the colours of the indigenous flag, I think it’s great.”
