The 2009 season ended prematurely for Ziebell in round 12 after he crashed a pack against Adelaide and received a cracked fibula.
Asked how he felt about returning to AAMI stadium, Ziebell told kangaroos.com.au “I’m a little bit nervous, but generally nervous ahead of round one I think,”
“Hopefully I don’t have a repeat of what happened last time and everything goes pretty smoothly this week,"
“I’ve only played there once and I had a bad experience so hopefully this week I can change all that and what I think of the ground and the place.”
Ziebell said North Melbourne players are looking forward to resuming a fierce rivalry with Port on Sunday.
“Last year North had the better of Port in the two games we played against them…we got over the top in a few pretty close games so we’re expecting a very tough match.”
The Kangaroos’ line up will be released within hours but Ziebell says it wouldn’t be surprising if draftee Ryan Bastinac gets named to make his AFL debut.
“I wouldn’t because he’s done very well in the pre-season this year and he has impressed a lot of people. He’s done everything right and has given himself every opportunity to play in round one.”
Ziebell remembers being in a similar position to Bastinac and says he has plenty advice to give.
“It’s a great feat for a second round draft pick to slide into the 22 and play in the first round. I think I would be telling him to remember that it’s just like any other game of footy. He’s played three practice matches at AFL level and the intensity goes up a little bit but he should be right…he knows what to do.”
North supporters can see the squad to line up against Port on kangaroos.com.au from 5.00pm tonight.
“It’s a young and vibrant list but everyone will have to earn their spot in the team.”
