Shaun Atley (born 13 September 1992) is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the North Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Originally from Rochester,[1] Atley was taken with draft pick #17 in the 2010 National draft by North Melbourne. Prior to being drafted, he played both as a half-back and as a midfielder.[2] He debuted the following year, in the 2011 AFL season.[3] Atley made his debut in Round 1, against West Coast.[4]

Shaun Atley
Atley playing for North Melbourne in April 2018
Personal information
Full name Shaun Atley
Date of birth (1992-09-13) 13 September 1992 (age 32)
Place of birth Echuca, Victoria
Original team(s) Murray Bushrangers (TAC Cup)
Draft No. 17, 2010 National draft, North Melbourne
Height 189 cm (6 ft 2 in)
Weight 86 kg (190 lb)
Position(s) Midfielder
Club information
Current club North Melbourne
Number 18
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
2011–2021 North Melbourne 234 (44)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2021.
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

2012 was a much more successful year for Atley. He played every possible game, and was noted as one of the competition's most improved player. The catalyst of this change of form was a move to the backline, where he used his explosive pace and blistering speed to accelerate out of defence on numerous occasions to turn defence into attack. His kicking improved out of sight, and this was recognised with a fifth placing in the Syd Barker Medal.

He is the brother of Joe Atley, who plays for the Essendon Football Club's VFL side after being delisted by the Port Adelaide Football Club.

Atley was delisted by North in October 2021 after 234 games for the club.[5]

References

edit
  1. ^ May, Brayden (29 June 2020). "Shaun Atley celebrates game 200". Riverine Herald. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
  2. ^ Quayle, Emma (6 November 2010). "Picks of the draft: Shaun Atley". The Age. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
  3. ^ Shaun Atley's playing statistics from AFL Tables
  4. ^ Shaun Atley Player Profile, North Melbourne Football Club
  5. ^ "Veteran defender, free-agent winger among four Roos culled".
edit