ADELAIDE will play finals for the fourth year in succession after defeating Essendon on Saturday and Nathan van Berlo says the achievement is a credit to the players after upheaval in the off-season.

Decorated skipper Mark Ricciuto's retirement led a group of veteran departures that included Ben Hudson, Scott Welsh, Marty Mattner and Jason Torney, but the exodus didn't dampen expectations in what was widely expected to be a transitional season.

"That's something I really commend the club for. It was never mentioned that there might be a rebuilding phase; we expect success each year with whatever group we've got and whatever ages the players might be," van Berlo said.

"It's a great effort by the boys, not only today but for the season. To get into the finals was obviously our aim at the start of the year and to get there with the group that we've got is really good.

"Everyone is expected to contribute, to perform and to get results. When you have a culture like that you're bound to be successful. It's a real credit to Craigy and the coaches to give the group that drive in a year when a lot of people had written us off.

"We rely on everyone being able to contribute and not just a few star players to go out and get best on ground each week. All the players really back in what we're doing and what we're about and that's great to be a part of."

The 22-year-old admits the confidence of the side took a bit of a beating during a winless five-week spell, but says a renewed focus on the basics helped spark the run of four wins that secured September action.

Van Berlo has been a key part of that resurgence with his past three games – including a career-best 40 possessions against Carlton – some of his best for the club.

"From a personal perspective I set myself the task at the start of the year that I wanted to be more consistent and have more of an influence on games," he said.

"I've been lucky that the coaching staff has put me in some more attacking roles and given me the opportunity to play more game time."