Shaun Atley believes his strong finish to 2015 was aided by his role at half-back.

The 23-year-old was dropped for a fortnight in June, missing Round 10 and 11, but on his return demonstrated the type of form which made him crucial to the North Melbourne line-up.

“In the first half of the year I was trying to play a bit more midfield,” Atley told NMFC.com.au.

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“Obviously I wasn’t playing well enough there so I got dropped. When I came back from that I really settled in the backline and improved in the back half of the year.

“I had a good chat with Drummo (defensive coach Josh Drummond) halfway through the year and really set out some goals to follow and some things to help me play well.

“I really had to sit down and see what makes me a good player and how I can contribute to the team. Once I was able to do that I thought I really helped the team.”

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With the added clarity on his role in 2016 and beyond, Atley already has his aim for the summer.

“For me, looking at the team we’ve got, the midfield is pretty settled,” he explained.

“The best way I can contribute to the team is at half back, so my goal is to do the pre-season with the backline and settle in down there.

“I’ll work on some things down there; the run and carry, a bit more marking and intercept type as well.”

Ultimately Atley’s aim is to become a prime mover off half-back for the club.

“You obviously want to be good enough that other teams start looking at you and trying to put work in to (stopping you).

“I’ll just focus on the goals I’ve set for myself, stick to those, and whatever else happens, happens.”