Assistant coach Josh Drummond says Jack Ziebell has taken to his new role as captain “like a duck to water”.
Drummond, who will coach North Melbourne in Sunday’s clash against Hawthorn, said Ziebell’s first few months as skipper have been nothing short of impressive.
“I was lucky enough to play under some great captains in Vossy (Michael Voss) and Jonathan Brown,” Drummond told EON Sports Radio.
“He’s (Ziebell) got a lot of the attributes where he’s very natural, he doesn’t have to try and act it or make it up on the spot.
“He’s a natural leader and he leads from the front with his actions.”
Ziebell’s role hasn’t been all achieved on his own, with the likes of Robbie Tarrant and company there for support.
“Off the track he’s easy to talk to and he’s one of the boys,” Drummond said of Ziebell.
“He’s settled into the role really well and with the excitement around the group, he’s led from the front in that regard, with the help of the other boys in the leadership group.
“He’s taken some big strides in the last few months with his leadership and I think he’ll fit into it seamlessly.”
Ziebell is also one of the leaders in North’s midfield, an area paramount to the team’s success.
“We definitely want the flexibility, it is a crucial part of the game to get the ball moving your way and try to get the ascendancy in and around the contest,” Drummond said.
“We feel we’ve got a strong midfield, but every club probably feels the same way.
“There’s a lot of good players going around through the midfield these days. It’s always a crucial battle.”
On an individual level for Drummond, now in his fifth year at Arden Street, the experience of taking the reins as coach will be invaluable.
“That’ll be the great thing, to learn and understand the big differences I’m sure there are in the job,” Drummond added.
“It’s only a very small sample size this week for us and it’s not the pressures for a game that’s up there for points.
“It’s a great experience nonetheless, and it gives us a bit more of an understanding of the differences between the head job as opposed to taking a line or a development role.”
