In 2007, van Berlo cemented a place in the starting 22, averaging 19 disposals per game and coming equal seventh in the club Best and Fairest.

By this stage, van Berlo was a regular performer in Adelaide's young midfield noted for his high fitness level.

[1] He performed solidly in his first year as captain, finishing second in the Malcolm Blight Medal playing in defence and in the midfield.

[5] In 2012, van Berlo spent most of the season as a tagger, laying more tackles than anyone else at the club while also still ranking fifth at Adelaide for total disposals.

He reprised this role in 2013, shutting down some of the competition's most dangerous players such as Brent Harvey and Stephen Hill.