Shaun Atley had clear instructions - take the game on.

Playing in his first VFL game for four years, the 22-year-old was seeking to recapture the run and carry which had eluded him in recent weeks for North Melbourne.

For the most part, Atley was able to deliver. Showing his trademark speed and acceleration out of congestion, he had 20 disposals (10 contested) and an equal team-high six clearances.

"It was all about trying to get some confidence," Atley told NMFC.com.au.

"It was a chance to get back to basics and work on what makes me a good player.

"I was playing more through the midfield trying to get that run and carry.

"There were patches where I was able to do that but you can always do it more, and that's what I'm here to work on."

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Development Manager Ben Dyer was pleased with Atley's game.

"Obviously he hasn't been able to do as well as he would have liked in the AFL. The fact that he had 10 contested disposals was really positive," he said.

"He was wing early and then inside for the most part of the second half.

"We said pre-game that we'll cop any mistakes that happen when you're taking the game on, because we needed him to get comfortable doing so at this level.

"That way when he gets back, he's better at doing so and can transfer it to AFL level."

Considering the conditions that greeted the players in Ballarat, it hardly seemed like the ideal practice ground for Atley to work on specific areas of his game.

However the focus was on getting the mindset correct, and the number 18 thrived on the inside.

"In the VFL I think you have to win more of your own ball, which was good for me today. I could do that and then work on my run and attack from there."

Luckily for Atley, there was little of the unfamiliarity with Roosters' teammates which could have hindered his afternoon.

"There's still a core group from when I played my first year here.

"Everyone here is a good bloke and they're all easy to get along with. It's a great culture here so it doesn't take any time to settle in."