DELISTED defender Paul Bower wants to prove Carlton wrong, and has set his sites on a pre-season with a rival club in a bid to find a new home for 2013.

In an interview with AFL.com.au, Bower declared he was fit and prepared to impress in the hope of keeping his career alive after seven seasons with the Blues.

He also expressed his hurt at being delisted, but felt it was coming after a 2012 season which netted just ten games.

"I did see it coming, [but] it hurts when you hear it first hand," he told AFL.com.au this week.  

Bower said he remains positive and realistic, saying he understands if a club wants to put him to the test before making an offer.

In a bid to be ready if and when the call comes, Bower is undertaking a rigorous training schedule at his local gym, building a fitness base to hit pre-season at full tilt.

"That's the next step, I just want to get a pre-season somewhere, hopefully a club gives me that opportunity.

"You know, I'm just going to bust my arse and train really hard and hopefully impress the club and get a second chance.

"It's obviously devastating getting the news from Carlton, I want to prove them wrong, I think I've got a lot to offer."

The 24-year-old insists he's past the quad injuries that have plagued his 70-game career after being taken at pick No.20 in the 2005 NAB AFL National Draft, Carlton's third pick overall.

"It was definitely an issue a couple of years ago, [but] I've gotten really on top of it.

"My pre-season was managed, I did a lot of pilates and smashed the treatment.

"My body's good, I'm doing all my running now so I'm ready to go for pre-season."

Used by Carlton in a variety of roles throughout his career - including stints up forward as well as defensive roles on a variety of forward types - Bower says his versatility should make him an attractive prospect.

"I'm back in full training, hitting up the local gym. My best footy's still ahead of me, I believe I can play on tall and small.

"I think my flexibility is my biggest key and hopefully that will sell itself to other clubs."

Paul Bower surges clear against the Giants in 2012. Picture: AFL Media

Having been delisted, Bower automatically becomes an unrestricted free agent.

The next free agency window opens on November 1.

"I suppose like a lot of other players our futures are in doubt and I'm just trying to put my best foot forward."

Matt Thompson is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter @MattThompsonAFL