It’s often been suggested as the likely next step in his development, but North and AFL fans alike would be excited to learn Shaun Atley is eyeing a push into the midfield in 2014.

Having earnt a reputation as a dashing defender, the 21-year-old’s natural athleticism should hold him in good stead through the centre.    

“The challenge for me is to push up into the midfield hopefully and try hold down a role in there and not just be a one dimensional player,” Atley told the team on SEN.

PRESS PLAY above to listen to the interview.

Atley believes the hard work and experience of North’s playing group will make it a formidable force this season.

No longer considered up-and-comers, the Kangaroos are ready to make their mark on the competition and rebound from what could be considered a disappointing year.

“You don’t want to focus too much on the past, but at the same time, you want to learn from it as well.

“We had some close losses last year so we had to go back, review them and make sure they don’t happen again.”

As the senior played joined their younger team-mates for the first time after the Christmas break, Atley pointed to the improvements already being seen on the track.

“I think the biggest thing is the change in training intensity. It was a lot better this year in Utah which comes with maturity,” he added.

“Hopefully that can set us up for a big year; we don’t want to put any limits on what we can do.”

An injection of new coaches, players and football director Geoff Walsh have added a different perspective at Aegis Park this pre-season.

“They’ve been good (the additions). We’ve got some new faces and it’s a bit more fresh around the club now. They (the coaches) bring their own coaching techniques as well and some new things which has worked well with the boys.  

While external expectations of the Roos are at an all-time high, Atley says the players will continue to concentrate on getting everything right on the training track.

“We can’t think too far ahead about that (top four expectations)…we haven’t proved anything, we didn’t even play finals last year. We’ve just got to focus on improving from last year.