Dropped after playing every game from rounds four to 13, Lower had featured in just one more when North booked a finals clash with the Sydney Swans.
One of the Roos' best in a heavy preliminary final loss to Port Adelaide in 2007, Lower had showed he could handle the big occasions.
Coach Dean Laidley obviously saw it too and the 21-year-old earned another September call-up, providing some forward spark as the side fell by 35 points.
"I was a bit disappointed in myself," he said. "I did miss a few goals I would like to have kicked so I've been doing a bit more goalkicking stuff just in case that comes up again.
"At the end of the day we lost – and you want to play well in a winning final. Hopefully this year we can do it.
"I was given a job to do and I'm very pleased that the coaches feel confident in giving me those jobs. I really want to make it up to them this year and make sure I can play as much senior footy as I can."
Lower hopes 2009 will also be the year he secures a regular role. Recruited as a defender, he's spent a good portion of his 25 games as a midfield tagger and, with two goals in that Swans final, has proved useful in attack.
Pre-season training has indicated Lower could be groomed as a forward, even though he's dividing his time between Darren Bewick and midfield coach Anthony Rock.
"I'm just trying to get my head around the forward stuff," he said. "It's pretty new to me. Both coaches have been great in helping me. They know I want to get a spot and have both been great in helping me make sure I can get one.
"I'm probably going to have to sit down with the coach (Laidley) and say, 'Where do you see me getting a spot?' and make sure I concentrate on that. At this stage, the games haven't started so I'll do everything I can. Once they start I'll knuckle down in a position."
Major shoulder surgery prevented the South Australian from seeing out North Ballarat's run to the VFL premiership and, ahead in his rehabilitation before Christmas, he's now back to 100 per cent.
With an eye on the Roos' NAB Cup opener against Carlton, Lower is also keen to better his start to 2008, when a VFL suspension ruled him out of two AFL matches.
"I feel great with it now," he said of his shoulder. "If I had to play a game I feel I could.
"You've got to put your hand up early I guess and make sure your performances are right. If you put in good games early, there's no reason why you shouldn't be playing round one."
