Thousands of spectators gathered at the South Australian Aboriginal Football and Netball Carnival in Port Lincoln over the weekend for what was a celebration of Indigenous sport and culture.

Current Geelong star Tyson Stengle and AFL icon Eddie Betts were among the many footballers who participated in the weekend-long carnival at Ravendale Sporting Complex on Barngarla country.

Betts returned to his junior club Mallee Park, while Stengle represented Koonibba, which is Australia's oldest surviving Indigenous club, established back in 1906.

Born in Port Lincoln, it was Betts' first game in Mallee Park colours since featuring in an U17 premiership almost two decades ago.

The ex-Carlton and Adelaide champion told the ABC that it was a 'special' feeling to pull the jumper on again.

"I was only 15 the last time (playing for Mallee Park), I was playing with today's coach Harry (Miller) and we won that grand final actually," Betts said.

"I never got to play in a carnival, so I'm pretty wrapped because growing up I used to watch my dad and my uncles and my big brothers play in these."

The weekend's event attracted approximately 5,000 attendees, with some making the journey from as far as 900km away in Coober Pedy.

The carnival draws participation from Indigenous communities all across South Australia and has been held annually since 1968.

Betts told the ABC that the carnival connects families and communities.

"It's what brings communities together, football and netball and sport is that driver, we love it," Betts said.

"People travelling from far and wide to celebrate our culture.

"Most of my family, that last game against Koonibba – it's basically one big family playing against each other.

"It's like playing in the backyard together."

The carnival was played in a round-robin format with Betts' Mallee Park defeating Stengle's Koonibba in the grand final played in windy conditions.

Despite nursing a sore back, Betts provided plenty of highlights, including an attempt at a spectacular high mark.

Stengle – who obtained permission from Geelong to participate – did as he pleased and kicked a number of classy goals across the carnival.

The festival is an annual event, rotating locations each year, and stands as one of the largest celebrations of Indigenous culture in South Australia.

The exact date and location for next year's carnival is yet to be determined.