Port Adelaide’s Joe Berry has started to establish continuity in the Power’s senior lineup late in the 2025 season, playing the past three games in the forward line.
Berry has kicked a goal in his past two outings and averaged 10 disposals and four tackles during that time, having spent the middle portion of the year in the SANFL after playing seven of Port’s first eight games.
Taken with pick 15 in the 2024 AFL National Draft, he has shown steady improvement in his first year in the AFL system, having been given areas of his game to focus on during his time at state league level.
“There’s a few things – probably some of my contest stuff aerially and on the ground, but also just understanding my role,” Berry said of his focuses at the SANFL during a media address on Tuesday.
“I think when I went back (to the SANFL), I was able to play a few different positions as well, and that helped with kind of understanding who I am, and then to come back in towards the end of the year, I’m really happy.
“I think obviously it can be a little bit challenging (being dropped), but I think also you’ve got to look at the positives and just stay positive and back yourself in (to get back into the AFL side).”
The past two games have given Berry confidence as he has shown glimpses of his potential.
He is looking forward to using it as a platform under incoming coach Josh Carr next season.
“I think just kicking that goal (in the Geelong game), especially early, kind of does help,” Berry said.
“So to kick that and then get around the ball and stuff, and then last week against Freo, I thought let’s just kind of build on that a little bit again. It’s all building, and hopefully I take that into the pre-season and into next year.”
Berry also spoke about the privilege of playing in close mate Jack Whitlock‘s debut.
The pair are long-time mates, having come through the Murray Bushrangers and Vic Country programs together.
“I was so proud of him to get the call-up, and he’s been working really hard at it.
“He’s a really good mate of mine, so to play with him the last few weeks, obviously I got to play with him at SANFL, but it’s a little bit different to be in the AFL team together.
“It’s awesome. (We’ve known each other) probably five or six years now and played a fair bit of footy together back home and to come over to Adelaide together and now play together, it’s pretty cool.”