Joe Berry, widely regarded as one of the top small forwards in the upcoming draft, recently shared his inspiring journey in an interview that left many impressed. The young talent, alongside Essendon’s Isaac Kako, stands out in this year’s draft class, and his story is as captivating as his on-field skills.
In mid-August, Berry had a memorable meeting with Port Adelaide legends Robbie Gray and talent scout Brett Anderson. After an impressive match where Berry and the Murray Bushrangers dominated the Western Jets, the duo traveled from Melbourne to Benalla to connect with him. Since retiring from his stellar 271-game career, Gray has shifted his focus to recruiting, and now he is on the lookout for the next generation of stars to join the Power.
Currently, Port Adelaide holds the 13th pick in the upcoming Telstra AFL Draft, and there is a significant chance they may choose Berry if he remains available. Scouts have likened him to Hawthorn’s Dylan Moore, who recently earned his first All-Australian selection. Berry has proven to be a dynamic player, adept at making plays both inside and outside the 50-meter arc. “This year, I’ve been playing a high half-forward role, linking up the play and going deep when needed,” he explained, citing Moore, Toby Greene, and particularly Robbie Gray as inspirations.
Reflecting on his development, Berry acknowledged that his early career was uncertain. With limited appearances for the Bushrangers the previous year, he was initially seen as a long shot for the Vic Country team. However, his fortunes changed dramatically when he kicked multiple goals in successive games, culminating in an impressive performance during the national championships where he earned All-Australian honors.
Berry attributes much of his recent success to his experience playing in the Ovens and Murray League under former Collingwood player Ben Reid. Competing against older, more seasoned players helped him hone his skills significantly. “Those games were crucial in my development,” Berry noted. “It was a valuable experience facing bigger bodies and playing in high-pressure situations during finals.”
As the draft approaches, Berry is preparing for a significant transition. He’s been proactive, learning to manage daily tasks at home to facilitate the move away from his rural upbringing. With several clubs expressing interest, he is optimistic about being selected between picks 10 and 20. “It’s an exciting time for me,” he said, eager to take the next step toward fulfilling his dream of playing in the AFL.