On Friday night, Berry has the chance to go down in history as he competes for a spot on the list of one of 18 AFL clubs. For Berry – it is a time of reflection as he nervously awaits the biggest moment of his football career. 

“I always remember as a young fella, waiting for dad to come home from work so we could all have a game of footy before tea,” Berry said. 

“I suppose that is where the love of the game stemmed from.” 

It has been a rough journey for Berry, who lost his mother Jedda at age 15. 

“I always think about mum and what she would be thinking,” Berry said. 

“Hopefully she would be proud of what I have achieved. 

“She was a big part of my journey. As I take another step in the right direction, I hope she is looking down from the stars.” 

Berry’s mother not only left an imprint on his heart – she also left a valuable lesson in his head. 

“She always taught me to work harder,” he said. 

“She used to text me every morning from hospital to make sure I was training or doing something. 

“She knew what football meant to me and she didn’t want to see it thrown away. 

“It reminds me every day that you always have to try and work hard at your goals.” 

Her advice has paid off. 

Despite injury after injury, Berry furiously pushed on, well and truly proving his worth at the NAB AFL Draft Combine as the top performer of the 80 young footballers in attendance. 

“Injury is just a part of footy and it has allowed me to work on my off-field development,” he said. 

“I’ve learnt resilience and leadership and how to deal with those injuries, which is a positive. 

“You have to be a good, solid person with a competitive edge, or you won’t get anywhere. 

“You have to be driven to succeed.” 

Berry is a household name in the Wimmera, with former coach Shayne Breuer one of many to praise his efforts. 

“He is very team orientated and his leadership has shown from a young age,” he said. 

“He is hard working and willing to put in the work to improve and set the bar even higher.

“There is a lot of pressure on the young fellas to get drafter so I have enjoyed sitting back and keeping an eye on him from a distance. 

Breuer said he would love to see Berry play for a Victorian team. 

“I have no idea where he will end up but like any kid I am sure like any kid he will be wrapped to get picked up by any club,” he said. 

“Somewhere in Victoria would be fantastic so I can go and watch him play.

“I hope he has a long AFL career, he really deserves it.” 

Berry started the year as the rumoured number one pick and while he is not there now, AFL.com reported he would fit comfortably anywhere between picks 12 and 25. 

While Berry said he would love to stay close to home, he will be overjoyed wherever he ends up. 

“I have a connection with Carlton since my late uncle, who passed away earlier this year, was a mad Blues supporter,” he said.

“To pull on the navy blue in honour of him would be an absolute fairy tale.”

While Berry is undecided about where he will watch the draft, he is clear about one thing. 

It will be a family affair.

 Father Troy said he planned to be right by his son’s side, as he has been from the very start.