Nick Lower was left in a state of shock in November when delisted by Fremantle despite having another season to run on his AFL contract.
Three weeks later, the 25-year-old was given another surprise – this time pleasant – when picked up by the Bulldogs during a recruitment period he didn’t even know existed.
Lower was impressive during 19 games for the Dockers in 2011 but had his 2012 campaign ruined by suspension and two concussions.
Despite axing him, Fremantle had plans in place to redraft Lower, but the hard-nosed midfielder was keen to try his luck at the Bulldogs after a call from their list manager Jason McCartney.
The former Fremantle development coach knew what Lower could offer an inexperienced Dogs outfit who lost their final 11 games in 2012.
And after some impressive showings at training, free agent Lower was soon given a one-year deal.
“When things didn’t eventuate with Fremantle, I got a phone call from Jason telling me to keep my chin up,” Lower said.
“Then it turned into, ‘Do you want to have another go? If your desire’s still there, then come out to the Dogs and have a kick’.
“I jumped at the opportunity.
“The free agency period is pretty new to everyone, so I wasn’t even aware there was a delisted free agency period.
“And then Jason grabbed me before training on the Friday and said ‘After training, can you come and sign a contract?’. It was as easy as that.
“It’s funny. You meet people and, down the track, it can lead into different relationships.
“I’m over the moon that things eventuated the way they have. I couldn’t be happier at the Dogs.”
Lower admits it will be a tad weird when he confronts his former teammates in Saturday’s practice match between the Bulldogs and Fremantle in Mandurah.
But it’s not a new scenario for Lower, who was also delisted by Port Adelaide at the end of 2009.
“Third chances don’t come around very often at all, and I’m very lucky,” he said.
While the Dogs have named an inexperienced side, Fremantle welcome back several big names, including skipper Matthew Pavlich, Michael Barlow, Stephen Hill and forward Chris Mayne.
Lower said he was still friends with many of his ex-teammates at the Dockers, especially former housemate Barlow.
