It’s been an up-and-down ride for Gavin Urquhart since he arrived at Aegis Park as a highly rated 18 year-old in 2006.

A tough apprenticeship in the VFL reserves was followed by an exciting start to his career in the royal blue and white that had everyone talking.

Injuries and poor form cruelled his past two seasons though, and despite still having confidence in his own ability, it was in October last year that reality hit home.

"A couple of hours after the trade period finished, I had a meeting with Donald (McDonald), Cameron (Joyce) and Bryce (Lewis) where they told me that I had been delisted," Urquhart told kangaroos.com.au.

Urquhart initially struggled with the news when it was broken to him, but arrived at an ultimatum that would determine his football future.

"When it happened I thought, ‘I'm not wanted anymore’ and somewhere along the lines of ‘I've lost respect’.

“I knew the thoughts on how I go about it (my football) had to change. So I went away and basically asked myself, 'Do I really want to play footy?'

"I decided I still do and I still have a lot to offer by making an impact now.

“I thought I'd prove that by going to Utah I did want to play footy and I was really motivated."

A commitment from the club to place the highly skilled Urquhart on the rookie list if an opportunity at another club didn't arise was motivation to prove he still has what it takes at AFL level.

"I'm pretty desperate to turn it around. I made the decision (to go to Utah) so I could set up a solid base for myself in pre-season to make an impact,” Urquhart added.

"The last couple of years I haven't really enjoyed my football, but knowing that I only have a year-long contract I've found the spark that when I'm doing the work and putting in the hard yards, I'm enjoying myself again and trying to earn respect by the way I'm going about things.”

Despite his motivation being at an all-time high, Urquhart is only too aware of the work needed on one of the weaker points in his game.

"The biggest thing I've had to work on has always been my fitness, but I've shown so far that I've made significant gains in those areas.”

In his sixth season at North Melbourne and a list that continues to develop around him, it could well be a case of now or never; a predicament which he hopes will help him shine once again.