Adelaide midfielder Sam Berry says biding his time in the SANFL for the first four rounds of this season has helped take his game to another level.

Berry earned a call-up to the Crows’ AFL side in the Round Five clash against Richmond and has played every game since.

The 20-year-old is ranked elite in the competition for tackles, averaging a league-best 8.4, to go along with 16.8 disposals per game.

Berry said he had always prided himself on the contested side of his game and had worked hard to prove he deserved a spot in the AFL side.

“I look back now and it was probably the best thing for me,” Berry said.

“I think it was kind of (my) form, coming into the end of pre-season and I guess it was the challenge to prove myself, the coaching staff and selection that I could play in the senior team.

“That (tackling) side is just pretty natural, I guess, it kind of happens easily. 

“Lairdy, obviously, does very well in that area (tackling) and getting the ball as well.

“Harry Schoenberg, Crouchy, I think everyone is really putting pressure on, so it’s good.”

Adelaide plays Collingwood at Adelaide Oval this Saturday and Berry said the side was looking forward to the battle.

“They (Collingwood) are playing some good footy,” Berry said.

“But it’s a good challenge (for us) at Adelaide Oval on a Saturday.

“We do love a scalp, so I think while a team is hot, it’s a good challenge for us.”