21 October, 2025
melbourne-demons-secure-college-basketball-star-oscar-berry-for-2026-afl-season

Melbourne is set to enhance its defensive lineup by adding college basketballer Oscar Berry to its roster for the 2026 AFL season. Berry, a 23-year-old athlete, has committed to joining the Demons as a Category B rookie, marking a significant move from the basketball court to the Australian football field.

Berry’s decision follows meetings with six AFL clubs at the end of May, after which he returned to the United States. Despite undergoing trials with North Melbourne, Essendon, and the Western Bulldogs, and meeting with Geelong and St Kilda, Melbourne emerged as the successful contender for his signature.

Category B Rookie: A Pathway for Diverse Talents

Category B rookie spots offer a unique opportunity for players from diverse sporting and national backgrounds to enter the AFL. These positions are not part of a club’s primary list and are open to non-Australian citizens and athletes who have not played Australian Football in the past three years. Berry fits this profile perfectly, having focused on basketball during his time in the United States.

The Demons have a history of recruiting basketballers under the guidance of list manager Tim Lamb and recruiting boss Jason Taylor. Previous signings include Kyah Farris-White in 2022, Austin Bradtke in 2018, Corey Maynard in 2016, and Joel Smith in 2015. Berry’s recruitment continues this strategic approach.

From the Court to the Field: Berry’s Transition

Standing at 194cm, Berry is seen as a mobile key defender, drawing comparisons to cricket convert James O’Donnell at the Bulldogs. O’Donnell, who Berry has studied, has become a fixture under coach Luke Beveridge, playing 40 games since his own Category B rookie signing in 2023.

Berry’s journey began in Australia, where he last played 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 Jason Berry’s appointment as director of sports science and performance at IMG Academy.

Oscar Berry’s collegiate basketball career started at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey before transferring to the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, where he completed his degree in March. His athletic lineage includes his brother Jordan Berry, a former NFL punter, and Wilson Berry, currently a punter at the University of Kentucky.

Implications for Melbourne and the AFL

The recruitment of Berry is part of a broader trend where AFL clubs are exploring talent pools beyond traditional football pathways. Most Category B rookies have historically come from Ireland, but the past decade has seen increased interest in athletes from cricket and basketball.

According to Melbourne GM Alan Richardson, who played a role in Berry’s trial at Casey Fields, the club is optimistic about Berry’s potential to adapt and excel in Australian rules football. Berry is expected to return to Australia in September to begin preparations for pre-season training with Melbourne in November.

“The move represents a strategic investment in diverse talent, aiming to leverage Berry’s athleticism and unique background to strengthen Melbourne’s defensive stocks,” said Richardson.

As the AFL continues to evolve, the inclusion of athletes like Oscar Berry underscores the league’s commitment to embracing diverse talents and expanding its reach. Berry’s transition from college basketball to the AFL will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, offering a fresh narrative in the world of Australian sports.