Retiring star Eddie Betts say AFL is not a safe environment for Indigenous players

Announcing his upcoming retirement, AFL star Eddie Betts has shared his belief that the game is not a safe environment for Indigenous players, vowing to continue fighting racism beyond his final game this weekend.

Carlton great Betts has announced he will retire after playing his 350th game, joining Adam Goodes and Shaun Burgoyne as the only Indigenous players to celebrate the milestone.

The 34-year-old, who last week implored Australians to help tackle racism in a powerful speech following racist comments by Taylor Walker of the Adelaide Crows, today admitted there is much to be done within the AFL.

Betts advised "I don't feel like it's safe at the moment

"I feel like there's still a lot of racism.

"This year there has been a lot of racism. It's been draining and it's been tiring.

"Every year we've seen myself and the other Aboriginal boys standing up, trying to call it out, trying to make a stance.

"Speaking to Gil (AFL Chief Executive, Gillon McLachlan) recently, we've got to be stronger, we've got to somehow catch these people.

"And keep them accountable for what they say online or over the fence."

Betts noted it was activism of former Sydney Swans star Goodes that helped him find his own voice and "believe in myself, that I had the strength and courage to stamp out racism".

Goodes was routinely booed by crowds throughout his final few seasons, with the AFL belatedly apologising for its lack of action during an unfitting end to the champion's 372-game career.

Betts, who revealed plans to launch his own foundation to help "Aboriginal kids achieve their goals, dreams and be leaders in whatever aspect they want to", said he and Goodes spoke for approximately half an hour last week, adding “just getting some advice and seeing how he dealt with it and how he felt.

"He gave me some support and guidance and said, 'Mate, the next chapter of your life is going to be pretty special'."

The AFL, responding to Walker's suspension, has flagged plans to beef up sanctions and player education while forcing every club to employ a full-time Indigenous liaison officer.

Betts is among several AFL players to have been targeted with racist abuse by trolls on social media during recent seasons.

With AAP

Image: Eddie Betts in 2017.