It goes with the territory when you are a top selection in the national draft.

North Melbourne used its first pick in 2010 to secure the Murray Bushrangers youngster.

So when he arrived in Ballarat for last year’s community camp, Atley was still coming to grips with life as an AFL player.

Twelve months down the track, with 16 AFL matches under his belt, it is a much different Atley.

The 19-year-old is much more confident and substantially more relaxed.

He is now helping the newest intake of Kangaroos settle in for what is, for them, a foreign environment.

As a draftee Atley had a limited preparation last pre-season, being eased into the rigours of full-time training.

He said this pre-season had been much tougher on two fronts.

As well as doing the full program, the training regime has intensified.

Atley said he had no specific objectives for the upcoming season.

He said his first target had been an injury-free pre-season.

With that almost achieved, Atley is now focusing on ensuring he is selected for round one of the home and away season.

Atley broke into the team last year on a wing as part of the midfield rotation.

He believes he might spend more time in defence this year