The 23-year old didn't attend this year's AFL Draft Combine, and while he had made a name for himself in South Australia, he was relatively unknown in Melbourne before being selected with pick No.42 by the Dogs.
Fuller admits it was a whirlwind entrance to the AFL and one that he thought was out of the question.
"After last year, doing my shoulder, yeah I thought it (his AFL dream) was probably gone," Fuller said.
"I had a good year this year and I was surprised [the Bulldogs] got into contact with me and picked me up. I was very lucky.
"There was a bit of shock there. Mum and dad sort of jumped up and around. We were just at the local pub. I had to look up at the screen and look back again just to make sure my name was actually there.
"There was about eight other clubs that had a chat with me, but yeah, the Bulldogs were definitely the most interested."
Fuller is bunking with fellow new recruit Stewart Crameri until his girlfriend moves across to Melbourne and they find a house to move into.
Coach Brendan McCartney says Fuller will add something different to the Bulldogs line-up.
"He played really good footy at Norwood," McCartney said.
"He played in their premiership team this year, and probably would have played the year before if he hadn't hurt his shoulder."
"He's an excellent kick. He's got a bit to learn about playing as that close-checking backman, but that's what we're here to do.
"He does use the ball exceptionally well. He's a bit different to what we've got and our recruiters identified him at pick 42 as the player we needed."
