In a year full of ups and downs, Jarrod Berry showed maturity and resilience beyond his years in what was an impressive third year in the AFL.

The year kicked off when younger brother Thomas joined Jarrod at the Lions. Thomas would play in the Brisbane Lions NEAFL side for the year, but trained alongside his older brother every week.

Speaking with The Roar Deal earlier this year, Jarrod recounted the day Thomas was drafted.

“I got pretty emotional – it hit home for me all at once.”

Berry reflected on a conversation he had with his father when his younger brother was selected.

“How good’s this? I’ve got the opportunity to play with my brother…I was overwhelmed with happiness and pride,” Berry said.

On the field, Berry had a challenging start to the 2019 season, but bounced back with multiple impressive performances.

Berry underwent knee surgery in May this year for a procedure to remove a Baker’s cyst. He was sidelined for six rounds until the Lions Round 15 clash against the Demons at The Gabba.

Despite the setback, the young gun’s attitude was far from pessimistic.

“There’s so many ways you can improve your game when you’re injured,” Berry said earlier in the season.

It didn’t take long for the young midfielder to regain his form, gathering 20 disposals against the GIANTS in Round 16 in the Lions impressive road victory.

The 22-year-old impressed again in the Lions 18-point win over the Western Bulldogs in Round 20 with 25 disposals, and in Round 21 against the SUNS with 26 touches.

The midfielder celebrated his 50^th game against North Melbourne this year.

Berry is contracted with the Lions until at least the end of 2022 and is a believer in what the Club is trying to achieve.

“I believe in what the staff are doing and what Fages [Senior Coach Chris Fagan] and Nobes [General Manager of Football David Noble] have created with the Club since I got here,” he said.