Oscar Berry, a promising college basketball player, is on the verge of becoming the next Category B rookie to join the Australian Football League (AFL). Over the past two weeks, Berry has engaged with six AFL clubs during his visit to Australia before heading back to the United States.
The 23-year-old met with the Western Bulldogs, North Melbourne, Essendon, and Melbourne for trials, while also holding discussions with Geelong and St Kilda. This flurry of activity suggests that Berry is seriously considering a transition from basketball to Australian Rules Football.
From Basketball Courts to AFL Fields
Berry’s journey is as compelling as it is unconventional. Raised in Australia, he played his last game of Australian football in an under-15 Essendon Districts Football League Grand Final for Aberfeldie. His early promise was evident when he was selected for the Western Jets’ under-15 program. However, his path took a significant turn when his family moved to Florida at age 16.
His father, Jason Berry, accepted a position as director of sports science and performance at the IMG Academy, a move that led Oscar to complete high school in the U.S. alongside notable athletes, including Charlotte Hornets guard Josh Green. Green, like Berry, has roots in Australian sports, having been part of Greater Western Sydney’s Academy before his NBA career.
Athletic Potential and AFL Trials
Berry’s athletic prowess has not gone unnoticed. Standing at 196 cm, he is viewed as an athletic key defender, similar to James O’Donnell, a cricket convert who has successfully transitioned to the AFL with the Western Bulldogs. During his trials, Berry impressed development coaches, recruiters, and even a general manager with his athleticism and skills, making him a strong candidate for a contract offer in the near future.
His engagement with AFL clubs included attending games with the Kangaroos, Demons, Bulldogs, and Bombers. Notably, he was invited to a pre-game meeting with Alastair Clarkson before North Melbourne’s victory over Richmond at the MCG last month.
Family Ties and Sporting Legacy
Oscar Berry is not the only athlete in his family. His older brother, Jordan Berry, spent eight years as a punter in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings. Another brother, Wilson, is currently a punter at the University of Kentucky. The Berry family’s sporting legacy is further highlighted by their connection to the Western Jets and the Calder Cannons.
Oscar’s return to Victoria after nearly seven years in the U.S. is driven by a desire to reconnect with the sport he grew up playing. His ties to the Maribyrnong Sports Academy, where he attended school alongside AFL players like Paul Curtis, Buku Khamis, and Jordan Boyd, underscore his deep-rooted connection to Australian Rules Football.
The Category B Rookie Pathway
The Category B rookie list offers a unique pathway for athletes like Berry who have not been registered in an Australian Football competition for three years or are international players. This category has seen a variety of athletes, including those from Ireland and other sports, transition to the AFL.
Recent examples include Hawthorn’s signing of rugby league player Matt Hill and former basketballer Jaime Uhr-Henry. Collingwood and Gold Coast have also tapped into this pool, convincing cricketers Wil Parker and Zak Evans to join the AFL in 2024. The success of players like Alex Keath, who returned to football after a stint in cricket, further illustrates the potential of this pathway.
Most Category B rookies from basketball backgrounds have been project ruckmen, such as Mate Colina at Richmond. Berry, however, is poised to follow a different trajectory, potentially joining the ranks of players like Matt Owies, who transitioned from NCAA basketball to the AFL with Carlton.
Looking Ahead
As Oscar Berry returns to the United States, the AFL community awaits his next move. With his trials complete and interest from multiple clubs, Berry is well-positioned to make a significant impact in Australian Rules Football. His decision could pave the way for more athletes with diverse sporting backgrounds to explore opportunities in the AFL.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Berry as he weighs his options and considers a return to the sport that first ignited his passion for athletics. The AFL landscape continues to evolve, and Berry’s potential inclusion as a Category B rookie could be a testament to the league’s expanding horizons.
