FOR A man who didn't choose football as his preferred sport until he was 19, Sam Fisher’s career has progressed at a rapid rate.

And his development has been rewarded with a nomination for All-Australian honours for the second season in a row – just seven years after ditching a promising golf career to pursue his AFL dream.

But, in keeping with his preference for football over golf, Fisher says it is all about the team rather than the individual.

"It’s pleasing to be in there (the squad)," he said. "Then again, I was in the squad last year and didn’t end up making the team. I haven’t been focusing on it too heavily.

"Fingers crossed, if I do get in it would be a good achievement but I’m focused on this week and what we have to do to get over the line.

"It’s tough to say [if it has been my best season]. I suppose it’s been pretty consistent. Whether it’s better than any other season I’m not sure. Maybe on Monday night I’ll find out, we’ll wait and see."

Fisher says the side has kept committed to having an impact in its finish to the home and away season, and now the finals, despite the fanfare surrounding decorated veteran Robert Harvey’s retirement.

Harvey announced in the lead-up the round 19 clash against Collingwood that he would retire at season’s end; the Magpies went on to upset the Saints despite suspending Heath Shaw and Alan Didak during that week.

But Fisher said the loss was not due to Harvey’s announcement and that the Saints would be more competitive against Collingwood this time around.

"It’s not just based around Harves," he said. "We let our whole club down and ourselves down so I don’t think you can pinpoint Harves. It was disappointing that we lost, with the lead-up.

"We looked at that (Harvey retiring) and moved on pretty quickly. We went through that game pretty thoroughly and got a lot of key learnings out of that game. They had a lot of young guys come in which can create a bit of enthusiasm, which we did previously this year as well."

Fisher was unsure whether midfielder Luke Ball would return from injury to face the Magpies. Ball trained with the main group on Thursday in his last chance to push for selection.

"Luke’s training today. He has to train and depending on how he goes through the training session, the coaching staff will decide whether or not to pick him," he said.

"He is an important part of our side and we’d love to have him out there.

"He’s keen as most of us I suppose. He’ll be doing everything he can during this training session to make sure he gets through."