General News
4 October, 2024
Footy dad celebrates son's mighty victory
Troy Berry is arguably the proudest dad in Horsham - after seeing his son Jarrod win the ultimate prize in footy.
Mr Berry, said it was humbling to see Jarrod achieve his childhood dream of winning on the big stage in the AFL Grand Final on Saturday.
He was at the MCG with family and friends for the match, and shared the celebrations with his son on the field after the Brisbane Lions trounced the Sydney Swans 18.12 (120) to 9.6 (60).
"The first thing I said to Jarrod out on the ground was how proud he has made us, and to really enjoy the moment," Mr Berry said.
Back home on Monday, he was still basking in Jarrod's reflected glory.
"I think for me, this win reflects Jarrod's ability to be extremely resilient, to be able to turn a negative into a positive, overcoming adversity - and it's a special moment for the family, friends and supporters who have helped us along our journey," Mr Berry said.
He said the biggest challenge for Jarrod and the family was dealing with the loss of his mum, Jedda, in 2013 from breast cancer.
Mr Berry said despite facing a huge battle, Jedda was humorous, guiding and teaching the children lifelong lessons they still display today.
Jarrod was born and raised in Horsham and Mr Berry recalls the day his son came into the world.
"He came into world in a fast manner, a hell of a rush," he said.
"We were meant to be at a function, and he decided he needed to come into the world, and we only just got to the hospital.
"Next minute I was holding him, and from then, he's always been on a mission, racing ahead of everyone else."
Mr Berry said his son's passion was always footy.
"He was always focused on football, to the point where if I was to look back over his childhood photographs, in nine out of 10 of them he would have dressed himself in all of his AFL gear, whether we were going down the street or to a wedding," he said.
"He was only ever known to be wearing shorts, even on the coldest days, and an AFL jumper, handmade by his mother.
"She always made sure if he changed to another club, she made him the appropriate jumper.
"I remember him coming home from school once and he had a list of five clubs he wanted to play for and ranked them as to why he wanted to play for them.
"He's a footy nut, through and through."
Jarrod went on to play for the Horsham Saints, and then the North Ballarat Rebels in the then TAC Cup.
In the 2016 AFL Draft, he was selected at pick 17, and he has since gone on to play 160 games with the Lions as a midfielder, booting a career total of 64 goals.
On Saturday, in the biggest game of the season, Jarrod contributed 20 disposals and a goal in the Lions' onslaught.
Mr Berry couldn't be prouder of his son - not only on Saturday, but in how he carries himself day to day.
"Jarrod has articulated himself well in moments highly emotionally charged, and he has still been able to be true to what his mum means, both to our family and the legacy he and his brothers have continued to display," he said.
"What she instilled in them is incredible.
"For me, Jarrod's motivation comes from wanting to make his family proud, and he does that daily.
"He does that every time he steps onto the footy field, when he goes down the street and signs an autograph for a kid that looks up to him.
"He has never lost that importance or that sense - and his drive comes from all the correct places."