A modern-day icon of North Melbourne, Jack Ziebell has been able to evolve and adjust his game to fit the ever-changing needs of the club over his career.
His potential as a leader was one of his most attractive traits as a new draftee, with the AFL taking notice of his leadership qualities by naming him vice-captain of the 2013 22Under22 side. He took on the role of vice-captain at North under Andrew Swallow in 2014 at just 23 years of age, before succeeding the midfielder at the end of 2016 to become the 37th captain of the club. Prior to the 2023 season, Ziebell stood down as captain after 111 games in charge, the third most as skipper of the club.
No matter his position on the ground, the skipper’s most noticeable traits are his elite kicking and dogged determination, consistently finding targets by foot while always throwing himself into the contest.
North Melbourne debut: Round 1, 2009
Career Brownlow votes: 56
2022: After a fruitful 2021 season that saw Ziebell excel in a new position behind the ball, he resumed defensive duties to open 2022. However, he was thrown forward in Round 5 where he slotted five goals in a gallant team performance against the Swans.
Holding a position in the forward line, Ziebell's determination and ferocity was in full effect whenever the ball came inside 50, finishing the season with the most tackles inside 50 for the team (23) and 17 goals.
He notched 250 games in Round 11, but a facial fracture a fortnight later against GWS saw him sidelined for three weeks. And after putting his body on the line during a contest in Round 22, Ziebell then suffered a shoulder injury which ended his season.
As North Melbourne continues to add young pieces to its developing list, the wealth of experience and leadership Ziebell brings to the fold will be as valuable as ever as the club progresses.
