For Adelaide midfielder Sam Berry, the 2025 season has had plenty of ups and downs.

But at the half-way mark of the Crows’ campaign, Berry is using the challenges he’s faced as motivation.

The 23-year-old featured as the substitute in three consecutive games before being named in Adelaide’s starting 22 for its Round 11 match against West Coast, recording 26 disposals, nine tackles and a goal.

He held his spot in the starting line-up for the next three games, amassing 16 possessions against Sydney, 17 in the win against Brisbane and 15 against the Hawks, before the Crows’ mid-season bye.

Speaking to the media ahead of Adelaide’s return to the field this weekend, Berry said having competition for spots had helped lift the side to a fourth-place standing.

He said it had also led to him working harder, with a point to prove that he belonged in the side.

“I guess it’s challenging but it also put a bit of fire in my belly,” Berry said.

“We got a couple of recruits in - James Peatling probably took my spot to start and he was playing really good footy.

“I can’t really be angry about it, but I just really had to force my way in.

“I say it to people that as challenging as it is personally, it’s so great for the Club and it shows we are in a really good space as far as depth.

“As tough as it is and as challenging as it is, for me it feels really rewarding now, and I feel grateful every time I go out onto the field.”

The Crows’ campaign continues when they take on Richmond at the MCG this Sunday afternoon and they will be looking to return to the winners’ list after a three-point loss to Hawthorn a fortnight ago.

Berry said players’ minds and bodies were refreshed following a four-day break and the team was keen to get back to playing footy.

“It was nice to get a genuine reset away, it was kind of mid-week, so there was no footy on - a few of the boys went away, or went home - so it was nice to have a break,” Berry said.

“We came back Thursday and when you come back, it’s time to switch back on, review the Hawthorn game and move on to Richmond.

“The vibes are high but we are not content. We are just focusing on Richmond now, and looking forward to a strong back half of the year.

“There’s no easy games in the AFL… We just have to be ready, we’ve had an extended break and more time to prepare, so our focus is fully on that and we’ll be looking forward to starting strong come Sunday.”

Adelaide faces Richmond at the MCG on Sunday at 2.50pm (ACST).

The match will be broadcast live on Channel 7 Adelaide, Fox Footy and Kayo.