Quizzed as to North Melbourne’s standout players in the pre-season, Jack Ziebell didn’t need a second to ponder.

Speaking on RSN radio on Wednesday morning, the number seven pointed to two emerging stars who’ve stepped things up.

“Jy Simpkin has come back in unbelievable shape, in career-best fitness,” Ziebell said on RSN.

“He’s just understanding what it takes to become an elite player now.

“You should see his drive at training, it’s unbelievable; it’s there for everyone to see – he just wants to be the best he can, day in, day out.

“He’s come back unbelievably – he’s going to be a very, very good player for us for a very long time, which is exciting for our fans.”

Simpkin has been setting the standard at North training, after a career-best year, in which he finished second in the Syd Barker Medal.

The 12th overall selection at the 2016 NAB AFL Draft, joined by the fourth pick in 2017 among those lighting up the track.

“Another guy who’s come back … he had a really good second half of the year last season and has continued that through his off-season and pre-season, is Luke Davies-Uniacke.

“He’s another former high draft pick, but he’s come back in unbelievable shape.

“He’s got so much time in the contest and when he gets his hand on the ball, he penetrates really well and gets the ball long and deep.

“He’s going to be hard to stop.”

While the Roos’ emerging midfielders provide plenty of reason for excitement, another new addition could also be in for some time on the ball too – Jaidyn Stephenson.

“He’s a ripping fella, Jaidyn,” Ziebell said.

“He’s conducted himself really well coming into the footy club. All the boys really like him and the way he’s gone about his training has been first-class as well.

“He works hard and you can tell he’s very talented on the field, the way he goes about it, he’s silky skilled and the way he kicks goals … we’re looking forward to getting him out there and causing a few headaches for the opposition.”