Sam Berry wins Showdown Medal as Crows edge Port Adelaide by one point

Key facts

• Sam Berry won the Showdown Medal for best afield in Showdown 59.
• Berry recorded 29 disposals, 19 tackles, 4 clearances, and 704 metres gained.
• Adelaide defeated Port Adelaide by one point at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.
• 15-year-old Kye, who has Autism and ADHD, served as junior mascot and presented the medal.
• Kye is a Variety scholarship recipient, the only footballer among 72 scholarship holders.
• The Variety-Crows partnership since 2018 has enabled 4,000 SA students to access the Open Parachute mental health program.
• Sterling Homes donated the coin toss experience to Variety for Showdown 59.

A one-point thriller decides the medal

Crows midfielder Sam Berry claimed his first Showdown Medal after being judged best afield in a heart-stopping one-point win against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Friday night. Berry was instrumental in the victory, finishing with 29 disposals, 19 tackles, four clearances and 704 metres gained. The narrow margin underscored the intensity of the contest, with Berry's relentless pressure and ball-winning ability proving decisive.

Berry's standout numbers seal the honour

Berry's 29 disposals and 19 tackles were game-highs, while his 704 metres gained reflected his impact driving the ball forward. The four clearances added to his influence in the midfield battle. His performance drew praise from selectors, who awarded him the Showdown Medal as the best player on the ground.

Teenager Kye takes centre stage as junior mascot

A special moment unfolded off the field as 15-year-old Kye, who lives with Autism and ADHD, joined the Crows as junior mascot for Showdown 59. Kye led the team through the banner at Adelaide Oval, conducted the coin toss, and presented the Variety Showdown Medal to Berry. His involvement was part of a partnership between Variety and the Crows, which has been running since 2018.

Variety scholarship opens doors for young footballer

Kye is a proud Variety scholarship recipient, recognised for his talent in football. He is the only footballer among all 72 members of this year's scholarship program.ip covers his fees, uniform, equipment, training and clinics, enabling him to pursue his passion despite the challenges of his conditions. Kye's mother Amanda said the grant has helped her son achieve amazing things and that the family is forever grateful for the opportunities Variety has provided.

Community impact of the Showdown partnership

The Showdown partnership between Variety and the Crows supports South Australian kids and families facing sickness, disadvantage or living with disability. It also allows an additional 4,000 SA students from disadvantaged learning environments to participate in the Open Parachute program, which focuses on improving child and youth mental health. The coin toss experience for Showdown 59 was made possible by Crows partner Sterling Homes, who donated it to Variety.

What lies ahead for Berry and the Crows

Berry's Showdown Medal marks a career highlight and cements his role as a key midfielder for Adelaide. The one-point victory provides momentum for the Crows as the season progresses. For Kye, the experience of leading the team and presenting the medal will be a lasting memory, as he continues to develop through the Variety scholarship program.

The bottom line

• Sam Berry's 29-disposal, 19-tackle performance earned him the Showdown Medal in a one-point win.
• The match was Showdown 59, played at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.
• 15-year-old Kye, a Variety scholarship recipient with Autism and ADHD, served as junior mascot and presented the medal.
• The Variety-Crows partnership has funded mental health programs for 4,000 SA students since 2018.
• Kye is the only footballer among 72 Variety scholarship recipients this year.
• Sterling Homes donated the coin toss experience to Variety for the event.