While some fans may have been surprised at Jack Ziebell’s recent exploits in the forward line, to his father it’s to be expected.

“He played all of his junior footy as a key forward,” Gary Ziebell told the Herald Sun.

“Watching him grow up, that was his normal game. We hadn’t seen that much of that over the years since he’s been in the AFL, but now that he’s going forward he’s showing more the typical footballer he was before he got there.

“It’s great to see too. He was great to watch as a forward.”

Playing his junior football for Wodonga, the younger Ziebell had a tough initiation playing against grown men.

However it was his father who told Matt Windley he may have ‘created a monster’ before a final against Wangaratta.

“The oldest guy on the field had a crack at him. I remember going up to him on the ground and saying, ‘mate, these blokes are going to try and rough you up because you’re a young kid and if you cop it at the start you’re going to cop it all day’.

“So this bloke had a go at him and Jack turned around and belted him and he had to go off with the blood rule.”

While Ziebell had spent periods down forward this season – he started the Round 12 match against Richmond from the goal square – it was against Adelaide in Round 22 where he single-handedly turned the game.

Dominating the second half, he kicked four goals and could have quite easily had six or seven if not for some missed opportunities.

“Initially I went down there for a rest against Adelaide and then kicked a couple of goals and pretty much didn’t move after that,” Ziebell said.

“I’ve spoken to Brad about it - and Ben Cunnington (is in the same boat) as well - (being) fairly strong overhead to be able to go forward and, not necessarily rest, but stay on the ground a little bit longer... and have an impact rather than sitting on the bench.”

While Ziebell’s main role in the future is likely to be more midfield-based, he relishes the opportunity to impact the game in a different way.

“If things aren’t going your way in the midfield you can go forward and have an impact. I think that’s exciting in a sense,” he added.

“It’s not, ‘s---, I have to go forward’, it’s more, ‘yes, I can go forward and have an impact’.

“So I’m excited to do it and hopefully I can take the opportunity when it comes because, in games like the weekend, if you can kick one or two goals it might be the difference.”

One team-mate well aware of Ziebell’s talents is Sam Wright. The two played together in the TAC Cup for the Murray Bushrangers.

Ziebell was drafted with Pick 9 in the 2008 National Draft, while Wright arrived at Arden Street with North’s next selection at 23.

“I think what we’re seeing now in the AFL, like taking those big grabs, that’s what he did there,” Wright said.

“He would attack the ball and really lead up hard. I still believe he’s got the capability to really have an impact as a forward, but then it’s hard because he’s really good in the midfield too.

“He’s just got the will. He wants the ball, he draws the ball and if he doesn’t mark it you know at least he’s going to come in all guns blazing and crash the pack.

“He’s got no fear and doesn’t worry about his safety. That’s what you want from a forward.”