As Betson tied the knot at his wedding, it also became the venue Dowling received confirmed interest that Keelin and Liam Betson were keen to return to Goulburn Valley League football at the Cats.
The Betson brothers had spent the past two seasons playing AFL Barwon football at St Joseph’s, falling shy of a premiership in 2025 after spending the entire year unbeaten.
But a special year for the Betsons’ home town club was enough to turn their heads.
“Bill Dowling the president, he lives across the road from Mum and Dad, so he would’ve planted the seed about round four last year,” Keelin said on the latest episode of Media Fines.
“I got married in November and he was at the wedding and we sort of got talking then, I reckon.
“It’s pretty special, the club’s 150th year this year. There’s not many local clubs that would be 150 years old, so I thought it would be a big opportunity.
“Plus, they’ve got the new jumper and it would be good to play with mates again to celebrate the club.”
Liam Betson thoroughly agreed with his brother’s sentiment, but a big picture purpose was another reason the ruckman was convinced for the homecoming.
Both Betsons still live in Geelong, but are committed to the development of one of the youngest and most exciting teams in the GVL.
“The stage the club’s at, we’re a pretty young list, if we can come back and support and help out where we can, it’s something I’m keen to do, and I’m really enjoying doing this year,” Liam said.
“Like ‘Kee’ said, 150 years is pretty special, there’s not many clubs about like that.
“It’s a great opportunity, we get to be coached by John Lamont as well which is awesome, so it was an opportunity where we thought, ‘why not?’”
“Yep, bit of a no-brainer,” Keelin said.
Liam and Keelin Betson had a chat on episode five of the Media Fines podcast, discussing the Mooroopna return, the Cats’ finals hopes and how the league is shaping up for its interleague clash with the VAFA on Saturday.
Listen to the latest edition of the Media Fines podcast on the The News website.
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