Speaking candidly during an interview with NMFC.com.au, the vice-captain said poor skill efficiency was the catalyst for the Kangaroos’ Round 1 loss.
“That (ball use) was a major reason in the result in the end,” Ziebell said.
“It was very disappointing. A game we should have won. I’m reluctant to say that, because you think at the end of the season all of the games that you could have won and probably should have won add up.
“I think it’s really important we take our chances when we’ve got them. On the weekend we didn’t do that. From a players’ perspective and from a club perspective we were really disappointed after that.”
North was on top in several key statistical categories on Sunday, including disposals and inside 50’s, but let down by a kicking efficiency of 62 per cent (ranked 14th in the league).
“We’ve done a lot of work over the pre-season in that area thinking we’ve made a lot of gains, but on the weekend it was very disappointing to let ourselves down.”
Ziebell says only continued diligent preparation will help the Kangaroos turn things around this weekend.
“We’ve got to go back to the processes and try and really make them work.
“The coaches have been drilling in over the last couple of weeks, making sure everything you do on the track is for a purpose and everything you do is at the highest quality.
“It was no more evident than on the weekend that we are required to do that work to make sure we get the result.”
The number 7 believes North’s pre-season experience with the Cats could prove advantageous.
“We trained with them for a month in January, as well as playing a NAB Cup match against them,” Ziebell added.
“….we know what they’re trying to do really well, so we can counter that and try and do what we want to do to the best of our abilities.
“It’s our job as players to make sure this weekend we do our best, to play our best.”
PRESS PLAY above to watch the full interview | YouTube
