Ross' second chance at the elite level was cut short when he was one of three Hawks axed earlier this month.
"I think that was my last chance," the ex-North Melbourne onballer told AFL.com.au.
"I'm 26 now and I had a really good year at Hawthorn, I enjoyed every minute of it and was able to play a few games in a successful side and one of the strongest sides in the modern era.
"I can hang my hat on that."
Ross was thrown a second opportunity in the 2013 rookie draft and played four games this year, starting as the sub each time.
His AFL form was solid, but the 2012 Liston Trophy winner admitted he underperformed for the Hawks' VFL affiliate Box Hill this season.
Despite being among Box Hill’s best in the Grand Final loss to Footscray, he knew the axe was still coming from Hawthorn.
"I kind of expected it. Whilst I did well when I went up, it was only in the sub role, so it was a small sample," Ross said.
"My VFL football took a bit of a hit this year - it wasn't as good as in the past.
"I think the different setting and different role I didn't quite adapt quick enough.
"Being (a) mature-age (player) it was just a 12-month hit or miss project, but it was very positive and I'm leaving the club with some good friends and I left a mark I think."
O'Rourke 'stoked' to join Hawks
Ross has no regrets from his time at Hawthorn but admitted he could have made more of his opportunity at the Kangaroos.
He played 14 games in four injury-riddled seasons after arriving at Arden Street via the 2007 pre-season draft.
"When I was first there I was a little bit immature but when I finally got my head right and realised what it took, I got some injuries and came out of contract at the worst possible time," he said.
"That will live with me forever, probably a missed opportunity, but I got a second chance and couldn't quite make the most of it in a successful club. So I'm happy with the crack I had."
On Thursday, Ross signed with Essendon District Football League club Pascoe Vale – where his brother Michael played this season and ex-North teammate Ben Warren has also signed up.
Ross seriously contemplated returning to Werribee, his VFL club in 2012 and ’13 but decided semi-professional football no longer suited his work-university-football balance.
"It's going to be a bit of a different lifestyle but I'm looking forward to being able to take the foot off the pedal a bit and just enjoy my football with some friends and have a bit of fun,” he said.
Twitter: @TravKing_AFL
