The Boy from Boomerang Crescent

by Eddie Betts

Winner of the Australian Book Industry Awards, Social Impact Book of the YearLonglisted for the 2023 Indie Book AwardsIt’s a long, hard road from the Nullarbor to the MCG.How does a self-described ‘skinny Aboriginal kid’ overcome a legacy of family tragedy to become an AFL legend? One thing’s for it’s not easy. But then, there’s always been something special about Eddie Betts.Betts grew up in Port Lincoln and Kalgoorlie, in environments where the destructive legacies of colonialism – racism, police targeting of Aboriginal people, drug and alcohol misuse, family violence – were sadly normalised. His childhood was defined by family closeness as well as family strife, plus a wonderful freedom that he and his cousins exploited to the full – for better and for worse.When he made the decision to take his talents across the Nullarbor to Melbourne to chase his footballing dreams – homesickness be damned – everything changed. Over the ensuing years, Betts became a true giant of the 350-plus games, 600-plus goals, multiple All-Australian nods and Goal of the Year awards, and a league-wide popularity rarely seen in the hyper-tribal AFL.Along the way, he battled his demons before his turbulent youth settled into responsible maturity. Today, the man the Melbourne tabloids once dubbed ‘bad boy Betts’ is a dedicated husband and father, a respected community leader and an increasingly outspoken social activist.Sometimes funny, sometimes tragic and always honest – often laceratingly so – The Boy from Boomerang Crescent is the inspirational life story of a champion, in his own words. Whether he’s narrating one of his trademark gravity-defying goals from the pocket, the discrimination he’s faced as an Aboriginal person or the birth of his first child, Betts’s voice – intelligent, soulful, unpretentious – rings through on every page.The very human story behind the plaudits is one that will surprise, move and inspire.Cover image Kristina Wild

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Audiobook, Australia, Memoir, Autobiography, Indigenous

304 pages, Paperback

First published August 3, 2022

About the author

When Eddie Betts entered the Australian Football League (AFL) at 17 years of age, he was unable to read or write, and knows the challenges and disadvantage this can cause young people.

Eddie's Lil' Homies, his series of educational books, aims to help kids read with confidence and enjoyment and give them the chance to express their own personality into the story.

Reviews

[Sportyrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a legend! Eddie Betts recently retired from Aussie Rules (football) after a hugely successful career. Many players have written autobiographies after hanging up their boots. What makes this one special is that Eddie is an indigenous Australian and he uses his voice to help others.

I’m not even a Carlton or Adelaide fan so there’s no bias here. He’s just an awesome player and a good person. Going into this I wanted to know the off-field stuff. I wanted to know about his upbringing, his motivation, how he got to where he did, and I also wanted to get the inside scoop on the infamous pre-season camp. And he delivers. Eddie comes across as quite open, yet knows when to keep certain details general and when to splurge out. He could have spilled the beans on a lot of things, however he wrote with integrity and fairness. Full respect.

Family, community and bonds are an important part of his life. I really admired that about him. Many sports autobios bore you to death with focussing on all the successes but Eddie shares the highs and lows, both situationally and within himself. He says he plays on instinct and being a team player.

I’m raving mad here but what I also loved was how well grounded he is about his masculinity. His attitude about showing feelings openly and crying and checking on people is so endearing. Growing up, I remember going to all the games of my favourite team (in Rugby League, the other Aussie football). Once I went to watch my team train with a friend when I was 14 after my Dad rang up and asked if we could watch. As soon as we got there (there were no other spectators), 3 of the players came up to us and mocked us about being up past bedtime and having homework to do, so we got up and left. Eddie on the other hand treated his fans well. And during the infamous pre-season camp saga, where they tried to hypermasculinise them, he saw through it, knowing that he didn’t have to be a jerk to be a tough guy on the field. I won’t say anything more on that, you’ll have to read it for yourself.

The autobiography was exciting and easy to get through. The only things missing I guess were his thoughts on the wider world. Eddie Betts, legend.

[Jennifer (JC-S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story behind Eddie Betts.

Eddie Betts (born 26 November 1986) played around 350 games AFL games for Carlton and Adelaide. During his AFL career, between 2004 and 2021, Eddie Betts kicked 640 goals. He is an AFL legend.

But there is more to Eddie Betts’s life than football. In this book, he writes of his upbringing, of growing up between Port Lincoln and Kalgoorlie, of the disadvantage Indigenous people face in Australia. He also writes about the additional challenges he faced because he was unable to read and write when he left school. Eddie is now an advocate for Literacy and Learning and has written a series of children’s books (Eddie’s Lil’ Homies) which also promote acceptance, equality and kindness.

A couple of examples from Eddie’s story hit me hard: when he was eight or nine years old, Eddie Betts was arrested when police apparently mistook him for his father (Eddie Betts Senior). And then much later, when driving a new car, the police pulled him over. There are examples of racism and of misunderstanding because of cultural differences. And there are those who have supported Eddie along the way.

As I started writing this, I was listening to Paul Kelly’s ‘Every Step of the Way’, inspired by Eddie Betts. And I am remembering the joy of watching Eddie kick goals (especially for Carlton). And I am glad that he has found a life after football, a life he can enjoy with his partner and their five children.

If you are an AFL afficionado, then this is a must read. More importantly, it is the inspirational story of a remarkable footballer and a reminder of why Aboriginal Liaison Officers are so important within the AFL.

Thank you, Eddie Betts!

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was raised a die-hard Carlton supporter so this entire review must be read in the context of my obsession with the Blues.

Eddie Betts has always been one of my biggest idols. His kindness and spirit he brings to anything he is involved with is truely admirable. I have learned so much from him and the way he conducts himself does credit to his family and his culture.

This is a fantastic book. Really easy to read, a genuine, emotional and honest look into the career of an extremely talented and kind man. I feel lucky to be able to read this and to get to know my hero a little bit better. Love you Eddie.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, read it in one sitting. Eddie Betts you are a beautiful human and we are lucky that you shared your story with us. ❤️💛💙

[Lauren Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
Honest. Caring. Respectful.
Huge respect for this man.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book, a lot of footy references but a very easy listen. Eddie is a fantastic role model and advocate for his community.

[Jay Dwight · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not an AFL fan, but after hearing Eddie speak at a conference, hearing him give snippets of the racism he has faced even recently (and tales I later found not to be in the book) yet all delivered with a smile and positivity and a desire to continue to work for the betterment of his people, I felt compelled to read Eddie's story.

A book I read within a day. I couldn't put it down. A tale told with honesty, with heart. A good coverage of his early life, his football career and his family - and the difficulties the indigenous face both in the sporting world and outside it.

[Julie Garner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent insight behind an indigenous boy’s growth in to a man, against an AFL backdrop.
Highlights the needs for the AFL to improve not just the culture within the clubs towards the players but also the space surrounding mental health, especially the young indigenous boys coming through.
Thank you for sharing your story Eddie and opening my eyes to a different AFL experience.

[Lulu Monsell-Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eddie’s book brings you along a captivating personal journey from growing up in remote WA, navigating the challenges faced by First Nations people in Australia, the importance of family and connections to country, and of course his AFL career.
Eddie paints a bleak picture of the prevalence of racism that still exists, both on and off the field, and the impact such circumstances can have on First Nations players in the league. However, Eddie shows us the extent to which he used his leadership and mentoring skills to support young AFL players during his time at Carlton and Adelaide.
Eddie expresses his admiration for his wife, Anna, and it was both heart breaking and heart warming to read along on their struggles and success to build a little mob of their own!
I would recommend for anyone who wants to get to know the man behind the football.
Easy read. Kept flipping through the chapters!

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the way Eddie talks about his family. The image of him kicking a footy around in a New York hotel foyer with his kids gives me life.

His ability to focus on the positives of his experience while also highlighting the negatives is inspirational.

A beautiful man, with a beautiful family.

[Annie Gilholm rowland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved learning about Eddie’s personal journey from the fun and freedom of kicking a ball with his cousins to becoming a champion of the game…but mostly I loved hearing about his deep and unconditional connection to Country and to kin.

I have almost zero interest in football these days but I’m curious about the seemingly enormous role in the framing of our National identity and the responsibility it has in the formation of the notion of what it is to be a man.
And I’m definitely interested in the power the code may yield (if it really wants to) to challenge racism and embrace and celebrate Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People, not just in the Indigenous Round but through all the threads of the fabric that make the AFL the powerful vehicle it is in this sport bonkers Country.

[David Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific read, encompassing Eddie’s incredible life to date. You don’t need to be a footy fan to enjoy the book. Eddie’s insights into economic and racial inequality in Australia are so valuable and important. The way Eddie has handled himself throughout the ups and downs of his career is inspiring. I’m so glad he’s found his voice. It’s one we should all listen to.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy reading, with an honestly written glimpse of Eddie Betts’ life thus far. He doesn’t dwell on life’s setbacks, but rather, forges on. What he is doing for the Indigenous community is heartwarming…leaving no one behind. He is all about ‘family’, and that includes those not related by blood, very humble and big-hearted man with a great sense of humour.

[Richard Hollands · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.1

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've ever wondered about where our Indigenous footy (Australian Rules Football) come from culturally, and what they have to overcome to play then this is the book for you. Not only was Eddie Betts an amazing football player, he is a great mentor to younger "fullas". Eddie's story is enlightening for AFL fans, particularly anyone who is not First Nations.
Like many sport bio's, it is quick to read, yet it is informative. I would recommend this to anyone seeking to increase their knowledge of indigenous culture generally, and specifically in relation to our great game.

[Andrew Chidzey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in 2.5 hours - it was a fascinating insight into the life of an Aboriginal Australian who has charted adversity and racism (as have so many First Australians) simply to be able to reach his full potential. A thoroughly engaging read and one I would encourage other Australian's to read.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much to like about this. Eddie Betts is a true champion of the greatest sport ever in Australian Rules Football. This memoir, at times very hard to read about, gave great insight into his life pre-AFL career and how he got to where he was and becoming one of the greatest to play the game.
The racial abuse, both verbally and physically, was very sad to read about and is shameful to think these people went out of their way to say these things to Eddie - his resilience, patience and pride is admirable.
The audiobook for this was pretty much perfection and everyone should listen to it. It's important and needed.

[Suzie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book as it seemed a genuine reflection of Eddie Betts, who many of us footy fans have admired for many years. He is charismatic and unashamedly honest in this book, which covers his life from childhood until the present day. Yes, there is a lot of footy in it, but it is also a reflection on the importance of community and family in his life, but sadly also about the systemic racism he has faced over the years. I have always admired and the values he has represented, and this book has increased my respect for him even more.

[Farrells Bookshop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book as it seemed a genuine reflection of Eddie Betts, who many of us footy fans have admired for many years. He is charismatic and unashamedly honest in this book, which covers his life from childhood until the present day. Yes, there is a lot of footy in it, but it is also a reflection on the importance of community and family in his life, but sadly also about the systemic racism he has faced over the years. I have always admired the values he has represented, and this book has increased my respect for him even more.

Read by Suzie

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my non-Australian friends, Eddie Betts is a retired AFL (Australian Football League) player. He is an Indigenous Australian and writes about his early life in Kalgoorlie (in Western Australia) and Port Lincoln (South Australia), and his journey through his footy career. He provides an insight into the life of an Indigenous person in Australia, and some of it I didn't realise happened in Australia, e.g. "driving while black". I chose to read this mainly because to see his recollections of an infamous team camp that the Adelaide Football Team held a few years back that has been very controversial. The people who ran it (and 'assisted' the team throughout the season) were not professionally qualified, apparently. Their methods were abusive, at a minimum. The book is a very interesting read, and also dealt with the 'fun' that was had during the worst COVID period when teams were paced into hubs. I've always admired Eddie as a person and I'm glad I've read his book.

[Chantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Eddie Betts is an amazing human and amazing footballer. What a story. Not a Carlton or Adelaide fan but geez I would’ve loved Eddie to play for my team. Honest, raw, truth telling.

[Tim Arundell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story about Eddie Bett’s whole life not just as a champion AFL goal kicker but about his family life and experiences as an Aboriginal person. He shared personal responses to many of his sporting, family and travel experiences and shows what a special community minded person he is.

[Lyn Ambrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eddie was a skinny aboriginal kid who was born in Port Lincoln and raised by his mother in Kalgoorlie. His childhood was defined by family closeness and the racism so often evident in mixed communities. He had a wonderful freedom that he and his cousins exploited to the full but it also got him into quite a bit of strife. However, he went on to become an AFL legend.

Football talent was not the only thing that took him to the MCG. It was his determination, self-discipline and his physical and emotional durability. He was very resilient and had a taste for hard work. His Dad played football and he had been bought up around it.

He was originally drafted to play for Carlton in 2004 where he played for nine years before signing with Adelaide as a free agent at the end of 2013. He moved back to Carlton at the end of the 2019 season and played two seasons there until he retired. During his 18 seasons, his goals from the pocket were his trademark. He won Goal of the Year on four separate occasions even though he was a small forward player.

Eddie and his wife Anna (married in 2015) have five children and up until COVID in 2020 the children and Anna came to almost every game. He has a very strong connection to Anna and his children and feels very homesick when he is separated from them, for example, during COVID outbreak and the strict border closures in Victoria.

Eddie uses his voice in this book to not only capture his football career. He also writes about the challenges faced by black fullas (as he calls them) when they come into the AFL competition. He has a strong connection to his mob and understands the younger indigenous players' needs when they leave their home and community.

Eddie could hardly read or write when he first started playing with Carlton and he went on to write several books to help children gain confidence while learning these skills.

I thoroughly recommend The Boy from Boomerang Crescent by Eddie Betts. This book won the Social Impact Book of the Year at the 2023 Australian Book Industry Awards. Congratulations Eddie – what an achievement!

[Phillip Pettinella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eddie Betts The Boy from Boomerang Crescent is a confronting, intimate memoir that gives readers a raw glimpse into the life of one of Australia's most beloved AFL heroes. Betts takes us far beyond the footy ground—into his childhood on Boomerang Crescent, the struggle with institutionalised racism, and the complexities of being an Aboriginal kid growing up in Australia.

Most jarring is Betts' plain-spoken honesty. His stories are beautifully personal, mixed with vulnerability, humor, and resilience. It's a sporting autobiography, but it's an appeal for cultural sensitivity, truth, and social change. The book provides us with invaluable glimpses of Indigenous Australians' experience, especially in coping with institutions that have at times been excluding and hostile.

From a sporting perspective, fans will appreciate the glimpse into Eddie's professional life—early Carlton years to being a name in the household playing for the Adelaide Crows. Sport and social issues are appropriately balanced, and his reflections on leadership, fatherhood, and identity give the memoir substance.

Why not five stars? Occasionally the design of the book reads a tad unevenly—leaping between vignettes which could have been tighter chronologically. However, this serves to not diminish the emotional and cultural resonance which the book has.

In the end, this memoir must be read by footy supporters as well as by anyone wishing to learn more about Australia's rich tales. Eddie Betts is still an inspiring man—on and off the field.

[Heidi Swallow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this memoir to be an Interesting yet sometimes a boring read. The book is very family and AFL “footy” focused (understandably) and follows Betts’ footy career highlights and achievements between Carlton FC and Adelaide FC spanning the 14 years (?) of his AFL football career. While I enjoyed reading about his family life, the majority of the book is about football; namely Betts’ career highlights (and lows). I guess I expected him to tackle more of the racism issues in life, in footy, in the indigenous community etc

I wasn’t interested in reading about his achievements (I’m aware of most of the awards he has won and what a footy legend this man is regardless of his race, religion or beliefs etc) so this book would be better suited to AFL fanatics.

Personally, I wanted to understand more about Betts indigenous heritage and learn and understand the racial injustices he and his family have and continue to face (although a couple examples are mentioned). I feel this book gave him the opportunity to explore racial injustice in more depth and it was wasted- he just touched the tip of the iceberg. (Perhaps paving the way for a sequel?)

I was however, rather invested in his experience playing AFL during the covid pandemic and lockdown in Victoria. It was a very difficult time for us all and this showed another perspective.

Way too much “footy” chat but a must read for AFL/sport fans. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immenseley. It also shows how much more readable the retired footballer autobiography has become. I didn't know very much about Eddie Betts before I started reading, but I now have a greater understanding of the man and an emphany with his beliefs. His story is very much a rags to riches transformation of a small 'wrong side of the tracks' indigenous boy with a talent for Aussie Rules and a fantastic ability to kick goals from 'impossible' positions. As the point of the game is for the team that kicks the most goals wins, Eddie became desireable property. As an Australian I became very angry at the racist bias he has had to endure, including from the police forces. I hope his telling the story will irmprove matters. Racism is something I find incomprehensible and can only rationalise that it is some form of mental illness. For example, what drives someone to go to the football match to scream racist taunts, such as 'monkey' and throw a banana at an indigeneous player. It is hardly rational behavior, but it is something that Eddie Betts and other indigenous players have had to endure. As I said, I enjoyed this book immensely and recommend it unreseredly to my fellow Australians, not only for the entertainment value, but to understand the world of the Australian indigenous sportsman.

[Bree T · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing person Eddie Betts is.

I’ve never followed any of the teams he played for (Carlton and Adelaide) so I never knew a huge amount about him personally but everyone who has watched their team play him knows what an absolute demon he was on the field. He kicked goals that no one should probably ever kick from ridiculous spots. He always seemed like a very personable kind of guy and I admired him for the public stance he took against racism. I have read a few articles and do remember a few horrid incidents but until reading this, I didn’t know just how much racism he had faced on the field and off. I shouldn’t be surprised, because there has been no shortage of disgusting incidents. I’m a Sydney Swans supporter, Adam Goodes is fresh in my mind and always will be.

This is a refreshing, frank account of a kid who grew up loving footy and wasn’t necessarily motivated to play at the top level at all. He loved playing with his family, his ‘brothers’ and being drafted was somehow something that happened to him rather than something he sought out. He was at times, by his own admittance, lazy in the offseason and didn’t stick to the diet and exercise plans he was given and he is also quite open about the fact that until the second year he played in the AFL, he actually couldn’t read very well, which is partially why he couldn’t stick to the plans – he couldn’t understand them. He was given literacy classes by the AFL which he attended with some other players (I think he noted all of them were of Aboriginal heritage, which is an indication of how Indigenous kids are slipping through the cracks in education).

He’s a super proud Indigenous man who loves his culture and his family and is big into preserving the culture and also, helping other young Indigenous players. He and his wife Anna (who honestly sounds like an equally amazing person) often open their home to young Indigenous players drafted from interstate as he knows how important it is for them to have some of their mob around them to help them adjust to a very different life. It seems like their home is a hub of support for anyone who needs it.

In this he details the highs and the horrible lows: winning goal of the year awards, making a grand final (losing that grand final), the horrific murder of one of his coaches, the ‘development camp’ that ended up being splashed across the media for all the wrong reasons, being separated from his family and playing during a pandemic, being told he wasn’t going to be offered a contract after his final year playing for Carlton and what came after footy. The book is printed directly as he would speak it so it is very much like listening to him telling you his life story. It works, because it showcases all of his personality in the narrative, how he feels at any given moment is so obvious and you can hear/feel the pain when he talks about being racially profiled by police or when someone threw a banana at him or took the time to mail him a letter calling him a racially charged name and you can also feel the joy when he talks about his family: his mother, his aunties, his brothers and cousins, his wife and their children. Eddie and Anna have five children, including twins and it seems like nothing fazes them! They initially struggled with fertility, having treatments to conceive their first two and then when they went for a third, got twins! Their fifth was a complete surprise, discovered when Anna was already over 20 weeks without any treatments at all. You can really feel the ‘more the merrier’ vibe and they happily cart their kids on overseas holidays and give them amazing experiences as well as keeping them grounded in their Indigenous heritage and culture, using Indigenous words and language etc.

I loved this. It was so interesting to learn about his life growing up, how he came to almost have playing in the AFL fall into his lap and all of the stuff he talks about away from footy as well. Incredibly enjoyable.

[Glenys · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very moving story that came straight from the heart of a 'dinkum Aussie".
Eddie's childhood, youth and early adult-hood have been marred by racial discrimination and I can only hope that going forward, he finds that this is less so.
Eddie is admired in the football world for his skills and anyone who has met him or listened to him speak knows what a respected indigenous elder he has become. A true family man whose 'family' includes not just his partner and their five children, but all the indigenous football-playing brotherhood and their extended families.
As this reader is not a keen AFL fan, I became a little frustrated halfway through the book with the limitations of the world in which Eddie lived, worked and played. By the end of the book, it is clear that football saved him from a future that could have been very different.
Eddie tells his story simply and honestly and I hope that his life continues to provide him with great satisfaction as he writes for children, mentors young players and just generally promotes his Culture and the coming together of all Australians.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read. Unfortunately, due to the media coverage of the book, I had already been privy to much of Eddie's story about the racist attacks and slurs and the infamous pre-season camp. None of it is okay and it was uncomfortable reading, as it should be.

I did enjoy reading about how close many of the players are off the field, regardless of what team they play for. As fans, we have this perception that each team hates the other team and there is no love lost. This is not the case and I loved hearing about how many players came out for Eddie's milestone game at the Gold Coast.

What stunned me was that, after winning a car for goal of the year, Eddie didn't get to keep it - he only got the car for a year. I would have thought he got to keep it. And lets not go the way he was treated by the police when he was pulled over.

I have also been watching the documentary on the 2020 AFL season where Eddie is one of the players being filmed and followed. Really enjoying it so far and now, with a bit of context behind his family, will be interesting viewing.

[Georgie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a recovering Adelaide Crows fanatic, I’ve read plenty of sports biographies over the years. Eddie Betts was my most recent (last?) men’s sports idol, and so I couldn’t resist dipping back into the genre to get to know him a little better. His generous storytelling sheds light on his early life between Kalgoorlie and Port Lincoln, his pathway into football, the primacy culture and family in the way he lives his life and who he is as a person. Grounding his own story in the history of his family, particularly his grandfather Edward Betts I, is incredibly powerful and resonates throughout the book. Non-sports fans may get a little lost in the depth of some of the football stories, but Betts’ humour and honesty will hold readers. It is clear the Betts is a man who lives his values, and this generous and vulnerable offering can teach us all many lessons about Aboriginal culture, family, perspective, racism and positive masculinity.

Thank you Eddie.