Season 2025 has been one defined by resilience for Crows midfielder Sam Berry.
Starting his campaign on the fringes of the AFL team, he put his head down and went to work, producing strong SANFL form to force his way into the AFL squad for the Round Six game against GWS.
He was then faced with the challenge of playing the substitute role, a position he filled in his first four appearances of the season, as he continued to work hard and make an impact when his chance came.
Eventually, Berry was rewarded with a full-game against West Coast in Round 11, where he delivered a career-best 26 disposals and he has since been a full-time fixture in the Crows midfield.
Speaking to AFC Media, Berry explained how he overcame the early season challenges.
“I’ve been in this position more than once now, and I think it’s all about just chipping away at it,” Berry said.
“There’s been three or four times in my career that I haven’t been in the team Round One, so I’ve come to know that the season is long and there is plenty of time.
“VB (Nathan van Berlo) helped me a lot, reminding me that I’m still a decent player, and not to be discouraged that I’m not in the AFL team and my time will come.
“Eventually that opportunity did come for me, and I’ve just continued to chip away and try and improve every week.”
Since that first full-game in Round 11, Berry has continued to impress, averaging 16.6 disposals and 5.3 tackles per game.
When asked about the catalyst behind his form, he simply said it was about having fun.
“It (footy) is just a lot of fun at the moment,” Berry said.
“Winning games is probably something that hasn’t happened consistently around here during my time at the Club, so for that to start turning a bit year, it’s been a fun ride.
“The key for me is just staying present, enjoying the moments as they come, we are pretty hard on taking things one week at a time so my sole focus is just on who we are playing the next week.
“You really can’t look too far ahead, because there are no easy games in the AFL, you just need to recover and prepare for the next challenge.”
“It’s been nice to get a bit of reward for that hard work recently, especially on the weekend being able to finish off two goals from outside 50.”
Playing his role as an inside midfielder, Berry has worked closely with new recruit James Peatling, with the pair striking up a great bond both on and off the field.
He explained the positive influence Peatling had on both himself and the team, and why the pair work so well together within the Crows’ midfield.
“JP has been awesome, a great introduction to the Club both on and off the field,” Berry said.
“I thoroughly enjoy his company on the field, playing a similar role in that midfield and battling together in the contest, he’s a great person to have by your side.
“Off the field I really love hanging around him as well, we are very similar people and someone I enjoy being around.”
Adelaide takes on Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval this Friday night, with the first bounce at 7.10pm (ACST).
Get your tickets here.
