Sam Berry Biography

Midfielder Sam Berry credits his mental growth for his career-best form at Adelaide in 2026.

"It was after the finals last year. I didn't perform the way I wanted to, and I just felt I was probably a little bit ... fragile in a way," Berry said.

"It was just way too easy for me to get worked up and get in my own head and I thought, 'I don't want that feeling again'.

"We put so much work in physically as players, but do we put enough in mentally? I went down that path a little bit more and was able find some techniques and stuff that worked during pre-season.

"My form has kind of improved side by side with that, so I think it's held me in good stead."

Sam Berry wins the Showdown Medal after being judged best afield in Showdown 59.

Berry collected 29 disposals and a season record of 19 tackles (thus far in 2026) in a gritty performance.

Sam Berry is the AFL leader for average tackles in 2022, laying 9.3 a game from his 15 senior appearances.

"If I can't win the ball, then that mentality to defend and tackle and chase is very natural for me and it's just an instinct thing," Berry said.

"I've probably always done it and not really thought about it too much, so that side isn't something I've had to work on too much.

"I've got a lot stronger though, as you do going through an AFL system, so the gym side of things, and the technique we train, has helped."

Sam Berry makes his AFL debut for Adelaide at Adelaide Oval with 8 disposals (6 kicks and 2 handballs), a mark and 7 tackles in a 12-point win over Geelong.

Adelaide select Sam Berry with pick No.28 in the 2020 National Draft.