Nick Dal Santo has backed North’s decision to appoint Jack Ziebell as captain.

The former Kangaroo played with Ziebell for three seasons and said he was the perfect replacement for Andrew Swallow.

“Him becoming captain is a fantastic thing for the football club,” Dal Santo told FoxSports.com.au.

“He’s a great leader, highly respected within the group, speaks really well, leads by example and is as hard and as brave as they come. I think that’s all going to combine in making a really great footballer and a really good leader for the club.”

Dal Santo went on to describe Ziebell as a virtual co-captain last season.

“Jack’s an interesting one, because he wasn’t officially captain last year but he still acted like a captain. Internally, he sort of held that reputation and position within the club, even though Andrew Swallow was the captain at the time,” he said.

Ziebell is coming off a career-best year, averaging career-high disposals (22.4), uncontested possessions (12) and inside 50s (4.6).

“I think Jack’s game is naturally improving anyway as he gets a little bit older. His body is in a better condition, better experienced around stoppages, work-rate and what’s required to play consistent football,” Dal Santo said.

The now retired 322 game player believed North is headed in the right direction after the biggest list turnover of any club last year.

“It gives them a new opportunity,” he added.

“Going back 15 years I was part of a similar group at St Kilda where there was a lot of young kids coming through at the same stage and we were able to build something really special.

“I just feel like North Melbourne is in a similar situation. With these young kids coming through, they’ll get the experience because there are opportunities there for them to play games. And then you never know where that can lead you, in the short-term as well — it doesn’t necessarily have to be five years away.”