The 34-year-old Indigenous champion will undertake community work in the NT over the coming weeks while playing an as-yet unspecified number of games for the Magpies.

Betts and his family are currently undergoing quarantine at Howard Springs.

"The club is very excited and honoured to have Eddie and his family choose to be involved with our club this season," Palmerston coach Josh Heath said.

"We are very fortunate to have someone of his calibre on board, mentoring and developing our juniors and as assistant coach of our senior group.

"We fully support his initiatives in engaging and working with Indigenous communities and people throughout the Northern Territory."

Betts retired from the AFL in August after 350 games with Carlton and Adelaide, having kicked 640 goals across a remarkable 17-season career.

He has been appointed as a part-time development coach at Geelong and will balance that role next year with a welfare job, where he will work with Indigenous liaison officers at other AFL clubs.

Earlier this month, Betts said he now has a "bigger role" to play in stamping out racism after calling time on his AFL playing days.

"I still want to make change here in Australia and that's what I'm passionate about," Betts said.

Australian Associated Press