He has learned how to and how not to lead a team in a professional environment through his Carlton experience. My first year at Carlton was definitely the best time in my career. Almost everything about the club was right. It was organised very well, with all staff knowing the perimeters of their jobs and performing their tasks with passion and pride that a new club required. Having said that, I am not bitter at anyone for the demise of Carlton and even the Pride.
Life is too short to hang onto bitterness.
Over the past two years Atkinson has established himself as New Zealand's prime midfield anchor. It has been role which has seen him rub shoulders with some of the modern game's best players. I am part of the All Whites squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Every game I have been available for, I have started in the first XI and I plan to continue this tradition, especially when we play Australia later in June. They will be a tough prospect, as always, but the experience gained at the Mexico Confederations Cup has benefited the squad in big game situations, where naivety has, in the past, been our downfall.