BULLDOG rookie Brodie Moles was almost headed back to a life as a greenkeeper and part-time footballer at the end of last season.

After spending two years on Geelong's rookie list for just two pre-season matches, he was delisted at the end of the Cats' campaign. 

The young Tasmanian considered returning to the occupation he once held at Claremont Golf Course in Hobart before his fate changed dramatically.

He accepted invitations to train with Hawthorn and VFL side Coburg, and heard the Bulldogs - who were interested in him in 2007 - were keen again.

After being trumped by Geelong in the 2008 NAB AFL Rookie Draft, the Dogs were determined to get their man this time around.

"It's pretty funny how it's worked out," the 24-year-old said.

"I was just rapt to get to the Dogs. I wanted to go there in 2007 but Geelong jumped in, and now I'm so glad to get a second chance.

"I feel pretty lucky because if there wasn't a mature-aged rookie rule, I wouldn't have got picked up."

Moles admits he "wasn't that good to be around" in the three months between his delisting and new drafting.

He didn't need to worry. Rodney Eade, who incidentally played for the same Tasmanian club Glenorchy, still wanted him on board.

The Dogs locked it in with pick 19 - one selection less than they were going to use two years earlier - and Moles was Whitten Oval bound.

He says he has already benefited from the Dogs' tough pre-season campaign and is in the best shape of his career.

His only annoyance is the half-hour commute he faces each day from Hawthorn, although his girlfriend Courtney - a Balwyn florist - thinks their location is ideal.

"It's great for shopping and eating out but not for the ground," Moles said.

"It was the first house we applied for and we had signed the lease before I got picked up so it didn't matter back then."

Moles was praised by assistant coach Leon Cameron for his performance against the Brisbane Lions in the first week of the NAB Cup.

The midfielder, who was "just happy to get an opportunity", said his experience with teams that move the ball fast had smoothed his transition.

"I've been working hard with a few of the guys with stoppages and match practice and I've fitted in quite well," he said.

"The game style is pretty similar to Geelong. The fast pace and the way they play on pretty quick and the way they take the game on … it's all helped."