Jack Ziebell says North Melbourne must take its opportunities and says Saturday night’s loss to the Gold Coast was disappointing.

“It was unacceptable and the performance was not what we stand for, and it’s something our members and fans would definitely be disappointed to see,” Ziebell told the Herald Sun.

“But we understand that going forward we’re going to put better performances together and we’ve shown in bits and parts this year against Port Adelaide this year, and even on the Gold Coast there were bits in that where we showed we can do it.

“One of the key indicators that came out of that game was we have opportunities to play really well, but it’s about taking them and making sure we make those areas count.

“We do that we’re going to be in the game and in the hunt, and from there we’ll be a real sniff, so that’s the plan.”

The Kangaroos’ skipper has demanded action on Good Friday from his team-mates.

“We’ll definitely expect a response on Friday,” he said.

“The boys are pretty good, the coach is fantastic and he has some really good messages in those situations.”

Ziebell said Ben Cunnington’s expected return would be a significant boost. the inclusion of gun onballer Ben Cunnington against the Bulldogs as “huge.”

“I know him pretty well and I know it’s absolutely been killing him (not playing),” Ziebell said.

“He’s missed about 12 months of footy so it’s been a very long time, and I don’t think he’s ever missed that much footy in his life.

“I think he’s rediscovered his passion and love for football, and it’s not that ever lost it but being out of the team has made him really keen to get back.”