North utility Shaun Atley says his two-week stint in the VFL is "a timely reminder" that no player is guaranteed a spot in the Roos' 22-man squad.
The 22-year-old was omitted from the side after North's round nine loss to Collingwood and spent the past fortnight with VFL affiliate North Ballarat for the first time since 2011.
Atley said he was pleased to have earned his spot back in the Roos' squad for Saturday's clash against Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium.
"I was disappointed to miss out for two weeks but it was refreshing and a timely reminder that your spot's never safe," Atley told NMFC.com.au.
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"I've been down on a few things in my game and I hadn't been bringing that consistently.
"I'm really happy to be back in the team and hopefully play a role this weekend."
Atley finished with 20 disposals against Sandringham in his first week back at VFL level and had 18 touches last Saturday against Geelong.
The 95-gamer, who has featured across half-back and the wing for the Roos this season, said his time at North Ballarat helped him hone his skills in the middle.
"In the VFL, you have to win your own footy a bit more so that was good for me to do inside work there playing inside midfield, and also get a bit of run and carry back into my game which I've been lacking early on in the year," Atley said.
"Individually, I was happy with the way I handled my time there."
