Cameron the main man for ex-Crow Betts

Eddie Betts will relish the chance to link up one more time with “little brother” Charlie Cameron in the All-Stars side against Victoria.

The pair formed a dynamic duo as Adelaide teammates, combining for 331 goals across a highlight-filled four-year period that culminated in the Crows reaching the 2017 grand final.

Betts was undoubtedly the bigger star, earning adoration from Adelaide fans for his regular freakish displays of skill.

But the 33-year-old veteran, who has rejoined Carlton this season, said it was his turn to play second fiddle to Cameron in the AFL bushfire relief match at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.

“I think Charlie’s going to take control now,” Betts said.

“He’s an All-Australian small forward.

“He’ll come and say ‘Listen Ed, get out my way, it’s my show now.’ He’s gone past me.”

The bond between the two Indigenous goal sneaks ran much deeper than their on-field chemistry.

Betts took Cameron into his family home after he was drafted in 2013 and assumed a mentoring role in life and football.

Cameron, who moved to Brisbane at the end of 2017, flourished on return from a serious foot injury last year with a career-best 57 goals.

“I’m like a big brother,” Betts said.

“If he keeps improving and keeps playing the way he is, he’s going to be the best small forward that ever played this game.

“I’m so proud to see what he’s achieved so far and it will be good to play with him again.”

Betts, one of the game’s greatest showmen over the last decade, almost didn’t get picked for the fundraiser.

He revealed on Thursday he was originally selected in the Victoria squad, but told officials he was born in Port Lincoln and therefore qualified to play for the All-Stars.

Even then, he needed a late call-up as a replacement for Brisbane’s Dayne Zorko.

Carlton football boss Brad Lloyd asked Betts if he’d like to travel to Mandurah for the Blues’ preseason series match against Fremantle or play in the representative fixture.

The answer was simple.

“I’m just happy I’m playing with the best players in the competition, and for a good cause,” Betts said.

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