North Ballarat Rebels utility Jarrod Berry was an unknown quantity as a bottom-ager this time last year.
But by the end of the TAC Cup season he was rated as a top-tier player of the competition and is now likely to go high in this year’s national draft.
“At the start of the year I was in the unknown,” Berry said.
“I had a few question marks over my own head as to whether I could match it with some of the best in the TAC competition.
“Last year I proved to myself that if I kept working hard I could hopefully match it with the best of the TAC and the nationals.”
Not only did Berry prove his worth in the TAC Cup, he also performed well on the big stage for Vic Country in the under-18 national championships.
The 191cm youngster was instrumental in helping his side win all six matches to easily take out the division one championship.
His efforts throughout the state carnival didn’t go unnoticed with Berry receiving All-Australian selection on a half-back flank.
While it was “very humbling” to be recognised for his individual performances, he was just thrilled to win the championship alongside his teammates.
“Winning the title was pretty special for me because the culture we built in that team was a culture that you want to be around,” Berry said.
“Every single one of those fellas in that side is a good mate of mine.
“It’s just something you love to share with your good mates.”
Despite playing a lot of his football off half back last year, North Ballarat Rebels talent manager Phil Partington believes Berry has all the qualities to be a damaging midfielder.
“He’s got outstanding speed, endurance and agility, and is a good reader of the play,” Partington said.
“We’re playing him across the midfield this year. But the modern AFL player can’t just be a midfielder; you’ve got to play multiple positions—and he’s got the attributes to do that.
“We’re giving him the opportunity so AFL clubs can see what he’s capable of doing around the ground.”
A natural leader, Berry will captain North Ballarat this year and is eager to guide the side through another successful campaign.
Unfortunately he missed the Rebels’ finals campaign last year due to a shoulder injury and painfully watched his teammates lose to the Oakleigh Chargers in the preliminary final.
“It was very challenging for me, mentally, having to see all my mates play in the finals,” Berry said.
“Considering I thought I had something to contribute to that side and wasn’t able to give that, it was obviously very frustrating sitting and watching the games unfold.”
A level two member of the AIS-AFL Academy, the 18-year-old was among the best in the Academy’s 50-point loss to Werribee’s VFL side at the MCG last Friday night.
As part of his Academy commitments he was fortunate enough to train with Richmond for a fortnight over the pre-season and learnt a lot from the valuable experience.
“The training standards they drive at the club is what
I took out of it the most,” Berry said.
“I’ve never been a part of a team that trains so hard; they just go at it like it’s a game. It was a big wake-up call for me.”
The Horsham product has had aspirations of playing in the AFL from a very young age and is hopeful that dream will be achieved through another season of hard work.
“Ever since I pulled on the boots when I was about three years old it’s always been a massive dream of mine to play on the biggest stage,” Berry said.
“I’ll just keep working hard at training and during games and hopefully it pays off at the end of the year.”