RECRUITED with pick No.29 in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft, Alex Forster appeared to have a long career ahead of him plying his trade in the Fremantle backline.
The Dockers' decision to cut him after just two seasons, however, was a harsh reminder of how relentless list management has become at the elite level.
Forster was selected with Fremantle's third pick in the 2011 Draft, ahead of good friend Lachie Neale (No.58) and Cameron Sutcliffe (No.71), who both played in this year's Grand Final.
But while that pair is resting ahead of another pre-season under Ross Lyon, Forster is in Adelaide working to earn a second chance on an AFL list.
"It's shown me how cut-throat the game is," Forster told AFL.com.au.
"The two years flew by and before you know it you're off a list and doing everything you can to get back on one."
Delisted on the Tuesday following the Grand Final, Forster cancelled a planned holiday to Bali and returned to Adelaide where he has been training on his own.
With a program combining distance running and repeat sprints, he is logging more than 18km a week to address what has been his weakness since entering the AFL system.
"I'm running three to four times a week and just trying to get myself in the best shape possible if I do get my chance," he said.
"The one thing I really needed to improve on was my endurance and a bit of speed off the mark and athleticism.
"I missed a lot of footy in my first year with Fremantle, so I want to get a good base and continue on from there."
Forster fell behind the eight ball almost as soon as his name was called out on Draft day two years ago, flying to Hobart three days later to undergo hip surgery.
He missed three quarters of his first season at the club and watched as Neale and Sutcliffe took giant strides that would lay the foundations for their promising careers.
"I was extremely happy for them, but you want to be in their shoes, you want to be out there playing with them," Forster said.
"I was drafted to play footy and I couldn't play for the majority of my first year, which is quite hard … all you want to do is play and show your teammates what you've got.
"Once I got through that I felt like I progressed OK, and playing a fair bit of footy this year was good."
Forster played his only game in round 23 this season, when Fremantle rested 12 players in preparation for the finals, and he concedes his form didn't warrant selection at any other point.
But the traits he entered the system with – elite kicking ability, composure and an ability to lock down on a variety of opponents – haven't disappeared.
With Geelong's Andrew Mackie a player he has modelled his game on, he spent most of this season playing on tall and small opponents in the WAFL, offering rebound from the back half when he could.
The Norwood product is hopeful he will earn another AFL chance, but playing with the Redlegs in the SANFL and taking the long road back into the AFL is plan B.
"I've been in contact with Norwood, so if that does happen I'd be excited about the prospect of playing with them again," he said.
"My dream is still to play AFL footy."
