Atley, 20, was contracted to the end of this season, but North moved early to short-circuit any overtures to the line-breaking defender by signing him to a two-year contract extension.
Atley's signing comes hot on the heels of Thursday's announcement that North had re-signed coach Brad Scott, co-vice-captain Jack Ziebell and star midfielder Daniel Wells, who would have become a free agent at the end of this season, to the end of 2016.
Atley told AFL.com.au on Friday it was exciting to be part of North's future plans.
"We hope to always be improving and things are definitely going in the direction for us, it's really exciting with what we are trying to build," Atley said.
"I think the fact the majority of the boys are around the 22-26 age bracket and are starting to play some good footy means we'll end up where we want to be and that's playing in the finals regularly and hopefully winning a premiership in the not too distant future."
Atley said knowing Scott would remain at the helm for the next four years had also been reassuring.
"Brad knows exactly where we want to go as a club and what we need to do to get there," Atley said.
"We're all doing what we can to try and get to a premiership as soon as possible and what he's done so far has been amazing.
"With Brad as coach, the younger guys and all the guys want to sign up."
Atley announced himself as one of the competition's brightest young stars last year, when he switched from the wing to half-back and in his just second season finished fifth in North's best and fairest.
Playing all 23 of North's games in 2012, Atley's speed and preparedness to take the opposition on gave the Roos' defence an attacking edge it had previously lacked under Scott.
Atley told AFL.com.au last November he fully expected to re-sign with North.
"There's no rush [to re-sign] because we've obviously got plenty of time to finalise things, but I'm very happy here and don't see myself anywhere else but North," Atley said.
"If they put a contract in front of me, I'll be happy to sign it."
Atley has played 39 games for North since unexpectedly falling to the Roos at pick No. 17 in the 2010 national draft.
Shaun Atley is a defender in NAB AFL Fantasy. He averaged 60.4 points in 2012. Register your team at our AFL Fantasy Hub.
Nick Bowen covers North Melbourne news for AFL.com.au.Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Nick
