The fashion in which North Melbourne has responded from a 128-point loss on Good Friday has been nothing short of remarkable, according to Jack Ziebell.
The skipper led from the front with a game-high 38 disposals, and set the season record for metres gained with 946 against Geelong on Sunday, praising the obvious week-on-week improvement from his side.
“I think everyone can see the effort and intent the boys brought today … I think in the last couple of weeks, especially after Good Friday, we’ve had a great response from our playing group,” Ziebell told North Media.
“It’s unfortunate we didn’t get the result but we’re learning so much throughout the games, and with such a young group there are some invaluable lessons coming through.
“I think all our members and supporters will be able to see these boys learning those lessons, and really starting to shine and gain some confidence in what they can do.”
It’s easy to get caught up in the negativity surrounding a 0-5 start to the season, but there are still plenty of positives in the way North performed against the Cats.
Ben Cunnington ran the midfield for North, Aidan Bonar and Ben McKay were brick walls down back, while Nick Larkey and Jaidyn Stephenson kicked two goals apiece.
Good performances from youngsters Tom Powell Jy Simpkin also setting the tone.
“In the footy-world you can get so hung up on the negatives and what you’re not doing well, but if you want to get some learning and you want players to take the game on you need to show them what they are doing well,” Ziebell said.
“If they visually see that and understand it they’re going to bring it more often … I know we haven’t got the wins but if we keep bringing the effort and intent we brought today … the wins aren’t far away … I can feel it, I can’t wait for it.
“I think there was a four-quarter effort for the first time this season … I think the boys fought it out really well until the end today.”