In a strategic move to bolster their defensive lineup, the Melbourne Demons have successfully signed college basketball player Oscar Berry as a Category B rookie for the 2026 season. The 23-year-old athlete will join the team at the start of pre-season training, marking a significant addition to the club’s roster.
Berry, who has been honing his skills in the United States, made his decision after engaging with six Australian Football League (AFL) clubs at the end of May. Despite trials with North Melbourne, Essendon, and the Western Bulldogs, and meetings with Geelong and St Kilda, Melbourne emerged as the frontrunner to secure the talented code convert.
Category B Rookie: A Pathway for Diverse Talent
The Category B rookie system offers AFL clubs the opportunity to recruit players from diverse sporting backgrounds, including non-Australian citizens and athletes who have not participated in Australian Football competitions for at least three years prior to signing. This pathway has enabled Melbourne to explore and integrate basketball talent into their ranks, a strategy previously employed with players like Kyah Farris-White, Austin Bradtke, Corey Maynard, and Joel Smith.
Melbourne’s General Manager, Alan Richardson, played a pivotal role in Berry’s trial at Casey Fields, drawing on his extensive experience in player development. Berry’s two-year contract with the Demons reflects the club’s confidence in his potential to become a key defender, akin to cricket convert James O’Donnell at the Bulldogs.
Oscar Berry’s Journey from Basketball to AFL
Oscar Berry’s athletic journey began in Australia, where he played his last game of football for Aberfeldie in an under-16 Essendon Districts Football League Grand Final. His family relocated to Florida when he was 16, following his father’s appointment as the director of sports science and performance at the IMG Academy. Jason Berry’s background in high performance with West Coast and Essendon undoubtedly influenced Oscar’s development.
Oscar Berry pursued his collegiate basketball career at Fairleigh Dickenson University in New Jersey before transferring to the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, where he completed his degree in March. His transition from basketball to Australian Football mirrors the path taken by other athletes who have successfully made the switch.
Family Ties and Athletic Legacy
Berry’s athletic prowess is part of a family tradition. His older brother, Jordan Berry, enjoyed an eight-year career as an NFL punter with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings. Meanwhile, his other brother, Wilson, is currently the punter for the University of Kentucky. This sporting lineage underscores the Berry family’s commitment to excellence across different codes.
The Demons’ acquisition of Berry is part of a broader trend within the AFL to scout talent from basketball and cricket. While most Category B rookies hail from Ireland, the inclusion of basketball players like Berry offers clubs a unique opportunity to strengthen their squads outside the traditional draft system.
Looking Ahead: Berry’s AFL Future
Oscar Berry is expected to return to Australia in September to commence preparations for pre-season training with Melbourne in November. His addition to the Demons’ lineup is anticipated to bring a fresh dynamic to the team’s defensive strategy, with Berry modeling his game on successful converts like James O’Donnell.
As the AFL continues to embrace athletes from diverse backgrounds, Berry’s journey from college basketball to Australian Football serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of the sport. His progress will be closely watched by fans and experts alike, eager to see how his skills translate on the AFL field.
The Melbourne Demons’ strategic recruitment of Oscar Berry not only highlights the club’s forward-thinking approach but also underscores the potential for cross-code athletes to make a significant impact in the AFL.
