A regular in North Melbourne’s defence for over decade, Atley played 234 AFL games before making the move to his home town Tigers at the beginning of the season.
Re-born as a midfielder by coach Steven Stroobants, Atley started the season in scintillating fashion, averaging 32 disposals per game.
But due to injury and other commitments, the silky smooth on-baller has only managed the five games this season — with his last coming in round six.
So, when news filtered through that Atley would be making his return to the line-up against Mansfield this weekend, the Rochester faithful was filled with excitement.
And by looking at the numbers courtesy of GVL Data, it is clear to see why.
Key Stats
Shaun Atley season statistics
Games: 5
Disposals: 32.0 per game
Uncontested possessions: 18.2
Contested possessions: 13.8
Ground ball gets: 12.2
Clearances: 7.0
Marks: 5.0
A ball-winning machine, Atley’s disposal numbers see him ranked second in the competition for average touches per game — just .2 behind Benalla hard nut Will Martiniello.
What is most impressive about his season thus far is his immaculate consistency, with the 29-year old only going under 30 disposals on one occasion — where he recorded 28 in the Tigers round one clash against Echuca.
A model of consistency
Shaun Atley’s disposal numbers in 2022
Round 1 v Echuca: 28
Round 3 v Tatura: 31
Round 4 v Shepparton United: 32
Round 5 v Benalla: 34
Round 6 v Shepparton Swans: 35
Atley has also shown an ability to get his hands dirty, averaging 13.8 contested possessions (eighth in the GVL), 12.2 ground ball gets (fourth in the GVL) and 7.0 clearances (fourth in the GVL) per game.
This part of his game was in top flight in Rochester’s round six with Shepparton Swans, where he amassed 23 contested possessions, 20 ground ball gets and 12 clearances on his way to a 35 disposal day.
At a glance
Shaun Atley v Shepparton Swans round 6
Disposals: 35
Contested possessions: 23
Ground ball gets: 20
Clearances: 12
Inside 50s: 7
On the outside, Atley has shown himself to be one of the most dangerous players in the competition, averaging 18.2 uncontested possessions and five marks per game.
And when it comes to the impact he has on the team, Rochester has won four of the five games Atley has featured in, while it also got the points (due to a registration mishap) against Echuca despite being beaten on the scoreboard.
“Shaun will bring a huge boost to our team,” Tigers coach Stroobants said.
“Just the leadership he provides around the boys and his general football nous and smarts — he is such an important player.
“He has a massive impact on all aspects of the game and we are so happy to have him back this week.”
Set to match up against seasoned GVL campaigners Jimmy Herridge and Brett Mahoney through the midfield on Saturday — the presence of Atley could be the difference between the seventh placed Tigers keeping their season alive or falling to the wayside.
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