A FAIRYTALE made a reality.

After six years, Eddie Betts has made his way back through the doors of Ikon Park and will pull on the Navy Blue in 2020.

The champion small forward returned to Carlton from Adelaide in exchange for a future fourth-round draft selection in the deal completed as part of the 2019 Telstra AFL Trade Period.

An emotional Betts fronted media on Monday afternoon in what was the first time the cult hero has return to the Blues’ home since 2013.

“It was mixed emotions, good positive emotions. It still really hasn’t sunk in yet to be honest, it only just happened,” Betts said.

“I knew we were talking about it for a little while but for it to finally happen… I was actually really emotional walking back on to this ground.

“This club has always been in my heart. It’s a fairy tale and a homecoming as well.”

Betts returns to the Blues as a decorated veteran of the game, with his heroics up forward solidifying him as a fan favourite for both Bluebaggers and Crows fans over his 316 games.

Betts reflected on how he’s changed as a player since 2013 and what he can offer as a leader for the young forward group.

“I think I’ve changed a lot; I think I’m a better leader,” he said.

“Going to the Adelaide Football Club with different players and different coaches, I thought my leadership really stood up when I was over there.

“Coming back here I believe I can still play some good footy.”

Betts noted Senior Coach David Teague as a key influence in his decision to make the move.

Playing alongside Teague for three years and then later reconnecting during his time as Adelaide’s forward line assistant coach, the pair meet once more at Ikon Park.

“He’s part of it. David came across to the Crows and he was our forward line coach for three years,” he said.

“I think I played my best footy under David Teague when he was our forward line coach, I made three All-Australian [teams] in that time.”