Melbourne is poised to enhance its defensive lineup with the addition of college basketball player Oscar Berry, who has committed to joining the Demons as a Category B rookie for the 2026 season. The 23-year-old athlete will commence his journey with the team at the start of pre-season after engaging in discussions with six clubs in May before returning to the United States.
Berry, who also trialed with North Melbourne, Essendon, and the Western Bulldogs, and met with Geelong and St Kilda, has ultimately chosen Melbourne. The Demons have successfully secured his commitment, outpacing other clubs in the race to sign the promising code convert.
Category B Rookie: A Strategic Move
Category B rookie spots are designed to attract players from diverse sporting and national backgrounds. These positions are not part of a club’s primary list and are open to athletes like Berry, who have not been registered to play in any Australian Football competition in the three years preceding their signing. This strategic move allows clubs to tap into a wider pool of talent, often yielding unexpected gems.
Melbourne’s history of exploring basketball talent under the guidance of list manager Tim Lamb and recruiting boss Jason Taylor is noteworthy. The club previously added players like Kyah Farris-White in 2022, Austin Bradtke in 2018, Corey Maynard in 2016, and Joel Smith in 2015, showcasing a consistent strategy of integrating basketball skills into Australian Football.
Berry’s Journey from Basketball to AFL
Oscar Berry’s journey to the AFL is a tale of sporting versatility. Standing at 194cm, Berry is seen as a mobile key defender, drawing comparisons to cricket convert James O’Donnell at the Bulldogs. O’Donnell has become a fixture under coach Luke Beveridge, playing 40 games since being signed as a Category B rookie at the start of 2023.
Berry’s athletic journey began in Australia, where he last played footy 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 director of sports science and performance at the IMG Academy. Oscar’s collegiate basketball career took him to Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey, and later to the University of North Florida, where he completed his degree in March.
Family Ties and Sporting Legacy
Oscar Berry is not the only athlete in his family. His older brother, Jordan Berry, carved out a successful career as an NFL punter with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings. Meanwhile, his other brother, Wilson, is currently a punter at the University of Kentucky. This sporting pedigree underscores the Berry family’s deep-rooted connection to elite sports.
Most Category B rookies hail from Ireland, but the AFL clubs have been increasingly exploring talent from cricket and basketball over the past decade. This approach aims to discover potential stars outside the traditional draft system. Collingwood, for instance, has a unique agreement with Alex Condon, another college basketball player who faced Berry on the court earlier this year but has chosen to stay with the University of Florida for another season.
Future Prospects and Expectations
Oscar Berry is expected to return to Australia in September to begin his preparation for pre-season training with Melbourne in November. His addition to the Demons’ roster is anticipated to bring a fresh dynamic to the team’s defensive strategies, leveraging his basketball skills to enhance his performance on the football field.
The move represents a calculated gamble by Melbourne, betting on Berry’s potential to adapt and excel in a new sporting environment. As the AFL continues to evolve, the integration of athletes from diverse backgrounds may well become a cornerstone of future team-building strategies.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Berry’s transition from the basketball court to the AFL field, with fans and analysts alike eager to see how this promising talent will fare in the world of Australian Football.
