Eddie Betts is looking forward to the “special moment” he runs out in front of his home crowd in Port Lincoln on Sunday.

Betts, 28, was born in Port Lincoln and remained on the Eyre Peninsula until his teenage years. His father, also named Eddie, still lives in the coastal town along with the extended Betts family.

Rookie-listed utility Keenan Ramsey, who is in line to make his Crows debut in the NAB Challenge clash with North Melbourne, also grew up in Port Lincoln before moving to Adelaide to board at Sacred Heart College.

Crows champion Graham Johncock, a second cousin to Betts, is another Port Lincoln product.

The pair played junior football for the same club, Mallee Park, along with the Burgoyne brothers, Shaun and Peter, and this week’s opponents, Lindsay Thomas and Daniel Wells. Johncock has now returned to Mallee Park as a coach.

Betts said it would be a thrill for the people of Port Lincoln to watch several of their local heroes in action at Centenary Oval.

“It will be a special moment for me. I’m sure it will be for the other Port Lincoln boys too,” he said.

“It’s worked out well that we’re playing North because Lindsay and ‘Wellsy’ get to experience it too.

“My Dad still lives In Port Lincoln as does my Grandmother and a lot of my Dad’s side of the family. As you can imagine, I’ve been getting text and Facebook messages about tickets to the game.

“I’m sure ‘Stiffy’ Johncock will be trying to get some tickets too. I think it’s nearly sold out, so hopefully we can fit them all in!

"Guys from the country don’t get the opportunity to play in front of friends and family in their home town very often. It'll be  a great experience.”