The Tigers will renew their rivalry with Echuca at Moon Oval on Saturday.
The appearance of Atley — a former Port Adelaide talent — will strengthen the Tigers for the clash against one of the powerhouse outfits in the competition.
Atley, who will run out with older brother Shaun, has been biding his time in recent weeks for Essendon in the VFL and has made himself available for selection this weekend.
Atley shone in the midfield for Essendon last weekend with 28 possessions and eight tackles.
A week earlier, the onballer had 31 touches, five tackles and 14 clearances in a loss to Geelong.
Stroobants told the Riverine Herald that Atley had communication with Essendon all along that he was going to play round one with Rochester.
However, Stroobants admitted he was uncertain just how often the Tigers would see Atley this season.
“He has told them from the very start, it was part of his deal to play with Rochester in round one,” he said.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if there are a few AFL clubs looking at him for the mid-season draft.”
Echuca enters this weekend as one of the teams to beat in the GVL.
The Murray Bombers finished last year’s cancelled campaign on top of the ladder.
Lining up alongside Atley in the engine room for the Tigers is former VFL gun Chris Jensen.
The ex-Port Melbourne onballer showcased his class in multiple appearances last season and his addition as a full-time player is another win for the Tigers.
Stroobants said the Tigers got through pre-season unscathed and would be close to full strength for this weekend.
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