Inside-midfielder Shaun Atley was highly-touted going into the 2010 National Draft, so much so that many experts had him being selected in the top ten, and some even the top five.
Atley played and captained the Murray Bushrangers at under 18 level, lining up in defence before pushing into the midfield for Vic Country through the National Championships.
''The way Shaun plays, he reads the game really well, he makes good decisions and when he's attacking the footy at full flight, his ability to get through traffic is a real feature of his game,” the Bushrangers’ regional manager Andrew Carson said in the lead-up to the draft.
Atley had challenges in his draft year; he would make the trip from the family home in Corryong, an hour-and-a-half bus ride to his school, and venture even further to train and play with Murray.
Averaging 18 disposals a game in the TAC Cup and similar numbers at Vic Country, Atley had talent and speed to burn.
Essendon expressed interest in landing the youngster at Windy Hill, with coach James Hird even missing a media conference to meet with the then 18-year-old.
The Bombers had pick eight on draft night, while North’s first selection wasn’t until pick 17. All indications were Atley would be long gone early in the first round.
The Herald Sun’s Jay Clark wrote in his Phantom Draft:
"8. Essendon - Shaun Atley
Resembles: Chris Judd (Carlton)
Could be a steal for the Bombers as he is rated top-five by some. Inside midfielder has burst of speed and great awareness in tight."
The Bombers though opted for Dyson Heppell, even after a club website mishap that saw their recruiting manager announce Atley’s arrival at the club.
A further eight players were drafted before North was on the clock, including left-footer Ben Jacobs to Port Adelaide. But Atley’s name was yet to be called.
Coach Brad Scott and recruiting manager Bryce Lewis swooped.
“We were delighted that he (Atley) was still there,” Scott said the day after the draft.
“He adds some real speed to our group. He’s a real game-breaker. We are delighted to have him.”
Atley was delighted to become a Kangaroo.
“I had no idea where I was going and I was just sitting there waiting for my name to be called and when it finally got called out by North I was rapt,” he told NMFC.com.au at the time.
He was clearly held in high regard, handed the famous number 18 jumper upon his arrival at the club.
And he didn’t take long to impress; by round one of the following season Atley made his senior debut.
Over the coming years he became a regular in the senior team, with his trademark pace and durability making him a fan favourite.
After being omitted to the Roos’ VFL affiliate North Ballarat in the middle part of the season, the number 18 returned to play some of the best football of his career late in 2015.
He had another strong year in 2016, playing every game.
