With senior campaigners Luke McDonald, Robbie Tarrant and Aidain Corr absent in the back line, Jack Ziebell's place in North Melbourne’s back six has proved more important than anyone could have imagined.

He has silenced critics with his composed and vocal performances off the half back flank, and has provided welcome leadership for a young and exciting defensive group.

In Sunday’s clash against Geelong, Ziebell set new career-highs in kicks (33) and rebound 50s (18), while setting a season-record of 946 metres gained.

These numbers are no fluke though, with the North skipper currently leading the league in kicks (117) and rebound 50s (50), while sitting third in metres gained (3159m) so far this season.

Although the 2021 AFL campaign is just five games old, Ziebell is currently setting career benchmarks for disposals per game (28.6), marks per game (7.4), rebound 50s per game (10), disposal efficiency (82.5 per cent), effective disposals per game (23.6), one percenters per game (3.2) and metres gained per game (631.8).

Ziebell’s new role in the backline has breathed new life into his career and has allowed him to showcase the best of his footballing ability.

As North’s defence continues to improve, the skipper is playing some of the best football of his career.