Now 18, Barry said it had naturally been a tough transition, but he was now ready to take the next step in the city.
“It’s been massive, to leave all of my family and friends behind in Alice Springs,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“But it’s all been good so far … and I look forward to the next chapter.”
The 18 year-old was claimed by Melbourne from Greater Western Sydney’s Northern Territory zone access. Barry was part of a complicated deal, which also landed 17 year-old young gun Jesse Hogan to the Demons and GWS’ pick No.20 in the NAB AFL Draft.
In exchange, Melbourne gave the Giants picks No. 3 and 13.
Todd Viney, Melbourne’s general manager of player development and strategy, told Barry he was a Demon on Tuesday morning. For Barry, an exciting midfielder/forward, the move to Melbourne is a “big honour”.
“For all of the hard work to get here - it’s all paid off until now, but this is where it all begins again,” he said.
Barry said he was now pleased to know his destination now, as he could “relax” on NAB AFL Draft night.
“I can support my other friends who are aspiring to be draftees this year, so I’ll give them a word of encouragement as well,” he said.
Barry’s recent results at the NAB AFL Draft Combine were also eye-catching, particularly in the agility, shuttle run, repeat sprints and three km time trial.
These tests all point towards the type of player he is, as he explained.
“I’m more of a run-and-carry type player and an outside midfielder who likes the big ovals, so I can run a bit,” he said.
“I rotate into the forward line a bit.”
Barry, who grew up supporting Adelaide, said the great Andrew McLeod was his biggest hero, but more recently it was Sydney superstar Adam Goodes.
“I really loved the way he [McLeod] played,” he said.
“I enjoyed the ’97 and ’98 [Adelaide] premierships and he was my biggest role model.
“And Adam Goodes, because being an indigenous boy, you tend to follow the indigenous players a lot more, and he proved on Grand Final day [this year] why he’s definitely one of the greatest.”
Barry said he already spent some time with 2009 club champion Aaron Davey and a couple of ex-school mates from St Patrick’s College.
“I’ve had lunch with him and caught up with him a bit, so it’s good to have contact with him,” he said.
“And also Tom McDonald and Rory Taggert are old St Pat’s boys, so I went to school with them.”
Barry said his most immediate aim at Melbourne was to complete his first AFL pre-season.
“It’s a massive work load now that I’m a full-time footballer,” he said.
“I’ve got to get a bigger body, so it’s pretty arduous for a footy player these days.
“I’ll just try and look forward to seeing whatever round I get an opportunity to play - if not next year, the year after. I’m looking forward to this.”
