Nichols, who played in both of Brisbane's A-League Grand Final wins under Ange Postecoglou, has joined the now-Victory head coach in Melbourne since the end of last season, bringing to an end his six-years at Roar.
 
With Melbourne's training ramping up ahead of their friendly against Liverpool at the MCG on July 24, Nichols says he can already feel the boost he was looking for when he decided to leave Brisbane.
 
"I know I've made the right decision now, since I've come down here, because I've been freshened up and I've been enjoying it," Nichols told Victory's website.
 
"It was like going to school the first day and I think I needed that."
 
After helping Brisbane to their second-successive A-League championship in the 2011/12 season, Nichols was on the verge of leaving Australia for Danish club Randers but the move fell through.
 
The 24-year-old midfielder believes that played a role in his average 2012/13 campaign, which was mirrored by Roar, who finished fifth and were eliminated in the semi-finals.
 
Nichols hopes a fresh start with Victory will help him kickstart his career as he aims for Socceroos caps and an overseas stint at some stage.
 
"It was difficult and there was many factors behind that and that was why I decided to change," Nichols said.
 
"It was frustrating that I wasn't able to kick on from two years ago, you know, I was involved with the Socceroos and had ambitions to go overseas and it was frustrating.
 
"But I'm not dwelling on that, I've come down here with a fresh mind and I'll try and get back to that level and go beyond that."
 
Nichols believes time remains on his side and considers his former Brisbane captain Matt McKay as a prime example of how it is never too late to step up to the next level.
 
He added: "I think he (McKay) was 27 when he left the A-League.
 
"If I can get back to playing my best football and we're being successful at Melbourne, you know, people are going to stand up and take notice."