Perfect. This is how the AFL national draft worked out for Horsham youngster and GWV Rebels player Tom Berry

His first wish was to follow in his older brother Jarrod’s footsteps and be drafted.

While for those in the know this was never in doubt, Berry said until his name was read out he could not be sure. A natural feeling in such a competitive environment.

And then if this did happen, his dream was that it would be the Brisbane Lions who selected him to allow him to play with his brother.

“I was hoping.”

And this is exactly what happened in the second phase of the draft on Friday.

Brisbane secured the former Horsham Saints junior with pick 36.

Berry followed the draft at the Ballarat home of his grandparents Gary and Wendy Berry, with father Troy also on hand to share the celebrations.

While admitting to nerves, Berry did not have to wait long before he learned he would be joining his brother in Brisbane alongside other former Rebels Hugh McCluggage and Cedric Cox.

Jarrod was the first on the phone after the selection, with tears flowing.

Tom, who spent three years as a boarder at Ballarat Clarendon College, said he was selected much earlier than expected with it catching him off  guard.

“It’s everything I could have wished for.”

With the family connection already established with the Lions, he said he felt comfortable about the impending move – which would be next week sometime.

He is hoping to share accommodation with his brother.

Tom said Brisbane was a great family club and having been around it he expected a smooth transition.

AFL Victoria talent manager with the Rebels, Phil Partington, said he was thrilled for Berry.

He said the youngster had all attributes required to make it in the AFL as a footballer and as a person.

While Berry missed a large part of the TAC Cup under-18 season with a scaphoid injury, he is now all set to go with the Lions.

Berry was the only GWV Rebel drafted.

Previously:

Horsham’s Tom Berry has been drafted to the Brisbane Lions with pick 36 in the AFL national draft.

Berry joins brother Jarrod at the club who was drafted to the Lions in 2016.

Being selected at pick 36 was earlier than expected for Berry who has had a difficult year with injury.

Recruiting manager at the Lions Steve Conole said:

“Thomas has got a lot of attributes similar to his brother: fantastic work ethic, really competitive, great team player and athletic."

“Had quite a few injuries in his draft year so struggled with continuity. Can play a variety of roles.”

Before the draft, Berry said he had learned a lot from his brother. 

“I feed off Jarrod a bit because he’s in that system and he’s had that experience. I definitely know the lifestyle he lives is pretty rewarding,” Berry said. 

“The hard work he’s put in has prepared me for it. Knowing what to do, living away from home and that sacrifice of moving into something you don’t know a lot about.”