HOMECOMING hero Eddie Betts is eager to make an impact in his return to Ikon Park, with his off-field influence a key focus.

Beyond what he will contribute to the Blues’ forward line, Betts is set to play a key role in Carlton’s Next Generation Academy.

Betts expressed his eagerness to get involved in the elite talent program when speaking to Carlton Media upon returning to his old home.

“I’m going to be working with the Carlton Academy, the father-sons and the father-daughters as well,” Betts said.

“I’m really looking forward to that, I’ve got four kids of my own. It’ll be funny to figure out what they say if they want to be father-son or father-daughter and where they play, because I’ve played 100 at Adelaide now.”

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The program - which is targeted to boys and girls aged 11 to 15 – aims to increase opportunities for young people of all backgrounds to learn and play AFL.

Continuing the work he has done throughout his career, the veteran Blue remains passionate about the development of Indigenous players.

“I’m going to be doing a lot of work in that development and also a lot of work in the indigenous space. I’ve always done that. I’ve helped out the young players everywhere I went,” he said.

“When I started at Carlton, we have Clint Benjamin and Joey Anderson and I really looked after them.”

With 15 years playing experience behind him, Betts has enjoyed the mentoring opportunities his veteran status affords him.

“Me and my wife opened up our doors to all of the Indigenous boys there and made it a home away from home: I know these boys can be a bit homesick when they come away and I like walking them and talking to them and hopefully make their career a longer in AFL footy,” he said.