Carlton forward Eddie Betts has today notified the Club of his intention to explore free agency. 

Betts and his management met with Carlton’s Football Department this morning.

Carlton recognises that as a restricted free agent, Betts may consider offers from rival clubs.

Under AFL rules, a player qualifies as a restricted free agent if they have served eight or more seasons at the one AFL club, and are in the top 25 percent highest-paid players at their club.  

As a restricted free agent, Betts can decide on the best offer from one rival club, and Carlton then has the right to match the offer.

If the club does not match the offer, Betts can move to the new club of his choice.

If that happens, Carlton will receive a compensation pick in the Draft, according to an AFL determined formula.

So where to from here?

As it stands, no binding player contract offer can be made until the commencement of the Free Agency Period on Friday 4 October 2013.

If an agreement that would see Betts depart is reached, the deal would still need approval from the AFL’s Legal, Integrity and Compliance Department.

Stay tuned to carltonfc.com.au for all the latest changes to Carlton's playing list.