FORMER Western Bulldogs and Sydney defender Michael Talia only needs to look as far as Cam O'Shea to know second chances are possible.
O'Shea was on the AFL scrapheap at the age of 24 after being delisted by Port Adelaide at the end of 2016.
But an outstanding season for the Northern Blues in the VFL led to the defender being handed a lifeline by Carlton in this year's pre-season draft.
Talia is in a similar spot.
He's also 24 and is banking on a big year at SANFL club Norwood to get him back on an AFL list for 2019.
"Cam O'Shea was on the Northern Blues' list this year, he had a year out of the game and was working," Talia told AFL.com.au
"I'm hoping I can have a similar experience.
"I genuinely believe I'm good enough to be on an AFL list and Norwood's going to be the best club for me to get re-drafted from.
"I still think I have a lot of good football left to give at the age of 24."
Talia – the younger brother of Adelaide's All Australian defender Daniel – has come to terms with being delisted by the Swans.
After playing only one senior game in his two years at the club – in round one, 2016 – it didn't come as a total surprise.
"I was playing good football in the NEAFL in 2017, but it wasn't translating into senior footy," Talia said.
"I know I still have a lot of good, senior football left in me.
"What gives me confidence is how I played in round one for Sydney in 2016.
"They were really happy with how I was going, but I unfortunately broke my foot and then there was an off-field incident, but the delisting is not going to deter me."
Talia was arrested for possession of cocaine in July 2016 and has worked hard to regain the trust of family, friends and teammates.
"I've learnt massive lessons, the people that are there for you when you make a mistake and who is there to support you," he said.
"Just maturing as a person, coming out of myself out of the bubble and worrying about me, to realising your actions have impacts on a whole range of people, whether it's people from the footy club, your family, your friends.
"It's definitely been a good life lesson, and in a way, I'm glad it happened, because it's made me mature as a person."
After being delisted by the Swans, Talia had an interview with St Kilda, but the Saints decided to go with the younger Logan Austin from Port Adelaide.
It was then he received a call from Norwood chief executive James Fantasia, who knew Talia from his time as general manager of football at the Bulldogs.
"What I've heard about the Norwood football club is they're a proud football club," Talia said.
"All the boys have been welcoming, it's a really well-run club and I'm extremely happy I made the decision."
