Port Adelaide forward Joe Berry has enjoyed his first year in the AFL system, with the teenager already thinking about how he can build on his game for 2026. 

The 19-year-old has found himself back in the AFL side over the past three weeks, even having the opportunity to share a special moment with good mate Jack Whitlock, who made his debut in Round 21. 

Berry spoke with the Adelaide media on Tuesday to discuss the tight finish against Fremantle, his friendship with Whitlock, and how he sees his first year in an AFL environment. 

Berry on how he is tracking 
“I think it's been okay. It's been good to be back in the side, and I suppose as a team, we haven't been able to get as many wins as we’d like, but I suppose individually, I think the last few weeks has been okay. 

Berry on coming back into the side with no finals on the horizon 
“Obviously, there are a few moving pieces and stuff, but with Trav finishing up and Ken finishing up as well, I think it's just the last few weeks, just really play it out and make sure we make them kind of proud and finish off the year really well. And that's what we'll try to do for the next two weeks.” 

Berry on what he’s worked on in his time in the SANFL 
“There's a few things. Probably some of my contest stuff aerially and on the ground, but also just understanding my role. I think when I went back (to the SANFL), I was able to play a few different positions as well and that helped with kind of understanding who I am and then to come back in towards the end of the year, I'm really happy. 

“I think obviously it can be a little bit challenging (being dropped), but I think also you’ve got to look at the positives and just stay positive and back yourself in (to get back into the AFL side.” 

Berry on getting confidence from the last two weeks 
“I think just kicking that goal (in the Geelong game), especially early, kind of does help. So to kick that and then get around the ball and stuff and then last week against Freo, I thought let’s just kind of build on that a little bit again. It’s all building, and hopefully I take that into the pre-season and into next year.” 

Berry on the buzz of the Fremantle game 
“Yeah, I loved it, even though we didn't get the result, I loved playing in that kind of intensity. And I think it brings the best out of us as well. I think when we get to playing that kind of game style, and when the crowd’s up and about and everything, it’s so much fun. And I think the more times we can play against good sides and play really well, obviously, that's going to be good for us. 

“I think we showed a lot of growth on the weekend with our game. Obviously the first quarter was probably not where we wanted it, but the last three we looked pretty good. And I think if we can take that into to next few weeks we can do do well.” 

Berry on playing alongside good mate Jack Whitlock 
“Yeah, it's been really good. I was so proud of him to get the call up, and he's been working really hard at it. He's a really good mate of mine, so to play with him the last few weeks, obviously I got to play with him at SANFL, but it's a little bit different to be in the AFL team together. It’s awesome. (We’ve known each other) probably five or six years now and played a fair bit of footy together back home and to come over to Adelaide together and now play together, it’s pretty cool.” 

Berry on what he needs to work on for next year 
“What I've been doing has been okay, and the coaches have been happy with that. So I’ll continue to build on that and just show my weapons and stuff and, but also continue to play my role, it’s important when you play your role. We haven't really spoken about (my role) too much for next year (yet). We're just focused on these few weeks. And I think if I can build really nicely into the pre-season and come back fitter and stronger, then I hope (there is a spot for me in the AFL team).” 

Berry on his preferred position 
“I suppose I don't like to put too much of a ceiling on my game. So if it ends up as a midfielder long term, then that'd be awesome. But at the moment, I think probably just forward. But I would enjoy playing anywhere to be honest.” 

Berry on watching other draftees across the competition 
“Not too much. I kind of try to just worry about myself a bit more…I like seeing some of the boys doing well that I played with at Vic Country and back with my reps teams and stuff like that. It was good to see them play well, but I think I like to see my progression and make sure I'm doing what I can. But it's good to see some of the boys I played with last year playing well (at AFL level).” 

Berry on Jack Lukosius’ bad injury luck 
“It was obviously pretty disappointing for him. I thought he was actually playing really well as well. I think that was goal of the year! But yeah, obviously we just get around him and make sure he's supported, but yeah, I think it was pretty flat.” 

Berry on looking forward to his development in his second year 
“I think the whole year to have, I suppose, some good games, some okay games, I think it's just building my character and to come into next year with, with Carry (Josh Carr) taking the reins, I'm really looking forward to it. And Ken's been really good since I've been here. He's been amazing for my game, but with Carry coming in, I'm really looking forward to it, and I think the pre-season I've done and the year I've done, it's definitely helped and I’m looking forward to year two.” 

Berry on his relationship with Robbie Gray 
“I do lean on him a bit, just a few calls and bit of coffee every now and then when he's over. He's been really good for me, just to kind of just reassure what I'm doing and just really get around me and give me a few tips and tricks along the way as well.”