Former Adelaide and Carlton small forward Eddie Betts says the culture of the Geelong Football Club was what motivated him to join the Cats.

Starting in January, Betts will work alongside senior coach Chris Scott and his coaching team in a part-time role as a development coach, working closely with the Club’s younger players and small forwards.

“The last three years of playing AFL footy, I really liked coaching, especially the younger players and giving back to the small forwards,” explained Betts at a press conference on Thursday.

“Now retiring… coaching is a bit of a passion, and I’ve really enjoyed it, so I’m looking forward to working with the young forwards.”

Betts said he had heard about Geelong’s strong culture from former teammate Patrick Dangerfield and friend Tom Hawkins.

“From an outsider looking in, Geelong has always been a successful football club,” said Betts

“You hear about the culture and you see it within the football club and the way they play. 

“I think it was 11 years and nine prelims.. it speaks for itself.

“Being close to Patrick Dangerfield, to Tom Hawkins, and players like that, you hear about it… now I can experience it first-hand being down here.”

In particular Betts is excited to work with the Club’s small forwards, the position he played for 350 games, kicking 640 goals across his career.

“Yeah, obviously you’ve got (Luke) Dahlhaus, you’ve got (Gryan) Miers. 

“You’ve got the high forwards that play in the midfield as well, the young Aboriginal boys in Brandan Parfitt and (Quinton) Narkle.

“I’m really looking forward to working with those boys.

“I’ll gravitate to those boys anyway.”

Betts will begin with the club in early January, 2022.