Former AFL champion Eddie Betts is pulling on the footy boots again on Saturday, when he heads to Shepparton to play for renowned Indigenous-led team Rumbalara.

Rumbalara confirmed Betts’ country footy appearance in a social media post late on Thursday night.

“Yes it’s true! Join us at Mercury drive this Saturday for all the excitement and to give Eddie and family a deadly Rumba welcome,” the club posted.

The 35-year-old played 350 AFL games for Carlton and Adelaide and retired at the end of last season with 640 goals.

Rumbalara’s coach Jason Traianidis, a former St Kilda player, said the community was buzzing with excitement at the prospect of Betts running out for them.

“Obviously he’s a big name and big in the Aboriginal community, so the boys are really pumped about it and looking forward to it,” Traianidis told The Age on Friday.

The side is yet to win a game this season and has had an unfortunate run of injuries, but with Betts in their team that might change.

“Eddie was a real bonus for us. I think he’s just going to get the boys up and about a little bit,” Traianidis said.

“They just get a buzz out of it. They’re all sort of young kids, country boys who love their footy and obviously look up to Eddie. The juniors are pumped, hopefully Eddie gets there a little bit early, and he can have a bit of a chat to the kids.