Ziebell learns a hard lesson
NORTH Melbourne skipper Jack Ziebell is intent on putting the harsh lessons of his first AFL campaign in the top job into practice in 2018.
The 26-year-old took over from Andrew Swallow ahead of the 2017 season and will continue in the role for a second season after a players’ vote.
He endured a baptism of fire as the Kangaroos lurched to a 0-5 start and never recovered, finishing a disappointing season 15th on the ladder.
“I’ve learnt a lot, leadership is a tough gig sometimes, (but) I think as a group we’ve learnt a lot over the past 18 months,” Ziebell said.
“Going zip-and-five at the start of last year was a big challenge. It was one that I hadn’t faced in my career before and to be captain for those first five weeks and not get a win was definitely challenging.
“But the resolve the group had in that time was really exciting for me.”
Ziebell also endured a torrid time of it on the injury front, the star midfielder hobbled by shoulder, rib and toe injuries.
He required post-season surgery.