Shaun Atley is like a sponge. Soaking up every little bit of information from North’s midfielders as he attempts to make a transition into the middle of the ground.

“Ben Cunnington and Wellsy (Daniel Wells) and Ziebs (Jack Ziebell) and blokes like that who have been in there for a few years and know what they’re doing,” Atley told the Herald Sun’s Rebecca Williams.

“They’ve got so many tricks that they use in there and you’ve just got to pick up on a few of them.”

Damaging off half-back with his explosive run, Atley’s potential move could be trialled in the upcoming NAB series.

“I am more comfortable in the backline, but it’s a bit of a challenge to try and play a different role.

“That’s what you’ve got to try and do these days with the new interchange rules and stuff like that, you can’t be stuck as just a one-position player.

“I’ve done most of the pre-season with the midfielders and I feel comfortable in there, but it’s up to the coaches in the end where they want to play me.

“I will trial and have a go in the midfield for the NAB Cup hopefully and then see how I go.

“I’m not too sure if it will be midfield or defence (for me this season).”

Veteran Brent Harvey recently called him one of the pre-season’s most improved players along with Cunnington and Atley believes he’s ready to take another step forward in his career.

“I guess it’s just getting older and getting more mature,” the 21-year-old said.

“Realising that you’re not one of the younger guys anymore, I’m in my fourth year and Cunners is coming into his fifth.

“It goes really quick and if you don’t make the most of it, it can pass you by really quickly.

“I guess my focus has just been to train well and I guess the voice and stuff sort of comes as you get a bit older, especially for me.”

Atley was North’s first-round selection (No. 17 overall) in the 2010 national draft and averaged 18 disposals last season.