Delisted by Richmond and about to turn 26, Nahas didn't know what to do next.
"I started thinking about life after footy as soon as I got delisted from Richmond," he told AFL.com.au this week.
"I had no idea (what came next). I'm doing a bit of property at the moment, but I still wouldn't have much of an idea."
Six games for three goals in 2013 told the story of a career fizzling to an end.
Although he was desperate for a second chance, Nahas doubted he would be thrown a lifeline.
"Yeah, you sort of do, to be honest," he said.
"You're not too sure what other clubs see in you and whether or not you've got any value outside of the football club you're with."
Several weeks passed and his future looked grim until North Melbourne came calling.
The Kangaroos were keen to bring in another defensive small forward to partner sharpshooter Lindsay Thomas.
North coach Brad Scott was tinkering with the game plan, trying to find a balance between the blistering attack that was the Roos' signature in 2013 and an obvious need to stiffen their defence.
It was the chance Nahas needed, but settling in at Arden Street hasn't been easy.
He played his first game in round four, was omitted the next week, brought back for round six, but then dropped again.
Presented with his third opportunity in round nine against the Brisbane Lions, Nahas grabbed his chance.
The 176cm livewire collected 22 touches, but it was his eight tackles that indicated the penny had dropped.
"I know that if I come in with the mindset of defence first it goes a long way to getting me a game," he said.
"I've got to bring something different to the team – a bit of pressure."
Two goals against Geelong and 16 touches in last weekend's win over West Coast followed.
On Sunday night Nahas will line up in his fourth straight game - against his old club at Etihad Stadium.
Despite being cut after 83 games and 100 goals, Nahas feels no ill will against the battling Tigers.
"They're not going that well as a football club but they've got some great people there and I know that they're going to bounce back," he said.
"Hopefully it's just not this week."
For North to be a top-four contender, it can't afford to lose another game it's expected to win.
Outstanding wins on the road and a home triumph against Port have been tempered by flat performances against Gold Coast and Collingwood.
"Giving that 100 per cent effort each week is key … some weeks you're just a little bit off," Nahas said.
"We've been inconsistent all year so we know we need to back it up this week and that's one thing you can always control is your effort defensively."
Twitter: @TravKing_AFL
