Simon Goodwin is treasuring this year’s finals series more than any other before.

Although a dual premiership player in 1997-98, Goodwin admits that in his youth he may have taken previous successes for granted.

“I think it is a terrific opportunity with the position we are in now,” said Goodwin, named in the All Australian team for the fourth time on Monday night.

“We've earned the right to play a home preliminary final and those opportunities don't come up all of the time. When I was younger I probably took a lot of that for granted. I probably didn't appreciate it as much, but as you get older your time is ticking and you want to perform and play in another premiership. This is a terrific opportunity for us to play in a home prelim and get ourselves in another grand final.”

Goodwin says the playing group understands the rare chance.

“I think we've got a pretty strong group and they all realise the opportunity that we do have, and we talk about opportunities that don't come up all the time,” he said.

Adelaide has this weekend off while it waits to find out who it will play on September 23 but Goodwin said it was important for the club to stay focused.

“We have started our preparation now,” Goodwin said. “We are going to train really hard this week and get some miles into the legs again. We will prepare as if we are playing this week, freshen up and do it all again next week. Our preparation for a fortnight's time started yesterday (Monday). We are looking forward to the challenge.”

Crows team-mates Andrew McLeod and Nathan Bassett joined Goodwin in the 2006 All Australian side.

“It's great recognition for a consistent year,” Goodwin said. “To be picked by a very well respected group of selectors, and to be part of a team like that is great recognition.”

Goodwin’s has now been chosen in four All Australian teams – he also made it in 2000, 2001 and 2005 – but he said this year’s selection carried extra esteem because he was placed in the midfield for the first time.

“It has definitely been one of my more consistent years and to get selected in the midfield, with great midfielders around, it's a real great honour to be selected in that area of the ground,” he said.

Bassett, a first-time All Australian, was unable to attend Tuesday’s press conference due to illness. But according to Goodwin, Bassett was a worthy recipient of the honour.

“He has had two outstanding years of footy,” he said. “Last year he was superb and again this year. Since he has left full back and gone to a back pocket or a half-back flank he has really relished those roles. His ability to give other players support in defence and do those little things is outstanding for our team. He richly deserves his reward.”