Gun goalkicker Eddie Betts isn’t expecting a third consecutive Goal of the Year crown, playfully laying the blame with one of his teammates.

Betts has won the past two Goal of the Year titles and is again a finalist for this year’s award.

He bounced through an incredible torpedo from the north-western pocket at Adelaide Oval against Fremantle in 2015 and snapped a brilliant goal from the same spot against Greater Western Sydney to claim back-to-back awards.

His latest contender came against Brisbane at the Gabba in Round Nine. Richmond’s Daniel Rioli and Sydney star Lance Franklin are the other finalists for this year’s title.


The Coleman Medallist outpaced Crows defender Daniel Talia on the western wing at Adelaide Oval during Sydney’s clash with the Crows in Round 22. Franklin eventually slotted the goal on a tight angle from a similar spot as Betts’ past winners.

AFL Media’s Brownlow preview

“It would be fantastic to win it three years in a row, but I actually cursed Tals in the change rooms (after the game),” Betts laughed.

“I said ‘you cost me another Goal of the Year! Just chase him and tackle him!’”

Betts said Franklin was the clear favourite to take out this year’s title.

“Nothing can beat Buddy’s goal. That’s unbelievable,” Betts said.

“If he does win…. It’s fantastic, the last three Goal of the Years have been kicked in that pocket.”

The 2017 Goal of the Year winner will be revealed at Monday night’s Brownlow Medal presentation in Melbourne.