MISSING last year's Grand Final has been a motivator for Jarrod Berry throughout 2026, but now Brisbane has made it back to the decider, the Lions' glue guy has switched his focus solely to Saturday's opponent, Fremantle.

Twelve months ago, Berry dislocated his shoulder in the preliminary final win over Collingwood and agonised over whether to try to prove his fitness.

Rather than becoming a distraction and risking letting his teammates down against Geelong, the 28-year-old withdrew himself from selection considerations in a move coach Chris Fagan called "selfless".

After playing in the 2024 premiership, Berry would miss out in 2025.

Now he's back in the final game of the season, chasing a second flag following a customary outstanding performance in Saturday's win over Hawthorn.

However, as Berry told AFL.com.au, he wasn't just motivated through the year by his own misfortune.

"It creates that hunger and the drive," he said.

"It's not only me, there were multiple guys that were injured throughout last year … Eric (Hipwood), 'Kiddy' (Keidean Coleman), Linc (McCarthy). It was tough on them. 

"I feel like I've got a responsibility. I owe those guys to play in their spirit and play tough and hard.

"Being out there with Eric is pretty special as well because we rode that low together at the same time last year. 

"It's going to be a great opportunity, and it certainly did drive me through those dark days in the pre-season and during the season when we were getting doubted."

Berry has been a connector at the Lions since he was taken by the club with the 17th pick in the 2016 draft.

He headed north with his great mate Hugh McCluggage just months after Fagan was appointed the senior coach and said caring about others was one of his greatest strengths.

"I've always felt a sense of living in the moment, but then also being able to take a step back and taking a look at the big picture because that's what is more important," he said.

"I guess you get that perspective a bit as well because of mum passing at a young age … it gives you that broader life experience and you've got to step up for your siblings and for your community, which I feel like I have."

Like Berry, Hipwood missed out last year after a late-season scan shocked everyone at the club when it revealed a partial tear in his ACL.

Only Dayne Zorko, Ryan Lester and Harris Andrews have been at the club longer than Hipwood, with he and Berry forming a great bond through rehab.

"He's always been loyal, a one-club player and to see him miss out in such a bizarre way last year … is a big shock to the system," Berry said.

"When I copped the bad news, he was the first one there messaging me and checking in on me.

"We rode those waves together. To see him get this opportunity again is just as special as myself."

But now it's time to put all the sentiment behind him and focus on the Dockers.

"I think they (motivations) have done their job. They've got us to this position," Berry said.

"Now it's about locking in on Fremantle and narrowing your focus, making sure you're playing your role and doing your job for the side.

"That broader stuff is just motivation to get back to this point. It's in our hands now."