Eddie Betts’ grandfather died in a Port Lincoln jail cell. His father served a prison sentence. He had previously been harassed by Kalgoorlie Police, also known as the ‘Monarch’, when he was eight years old.
He was detained because he took a spoon. In his recently published memoir, he says, “It was a reality for us.” It met expectations. Alcoholism and domestic violence were widespread. It was shaped by the Stolen Generation and the generational impacts of colonialism. “We developed the skills of script management, reading people and releasing tension.
He had constant access to powerful female influences while growing up. Sport, culture and family were of utmost importance. He could barely read or write when he went to Melbourne. He yearned to be back home and in his neighborhood. Denis Pagan, a fierce man, was his first AFL coach.
Glenn Archer was his first challenge of the toughest football players to face. He received a Toyota Aurion as part of his first goal of the year honor. Shortly after, he was arrested by two police officers who wanted to know who owned the car he was driving.
