Jack Ziebell ready to skipper North in AFL
Nov 4, 2016 - 2:07 AM North Melbourne star Jack Ziebell says he's ready, willing and able to be the next captain of the Kangaroos.The 25-year-old has long been viewed as the heir apparent for the top job that was vacated by Andrew Swallow in October.
North's players will vote on the next captain and coach Brad Scott will also have input into a decision that is expected to come sooner in the pre-season rather than later.
Ziebell told reporters on Friday that he's taking nothing for granted, but it would be a huge shock if he didn't take over the job he's long been groomed for.
"Obviously I've thought about it a little bit and it's something that I've aspired to do," Ziebell said from the launch of the club's new logo.
"But I've said publicly before that if I was to captain or I wasn't to captain it probably wouldn't change much of my actions and the way I go about my football.
"I'm about trying to help my teammates improve, as well as myself, and drive this footy club to, hopefully, its next premiership.
"I don't expect anything, but obviously with Andrew stepping down ... there's a position vacant and if it's me, that's great, but if it's not I'll support whoever gets the job."
Ziebell will take over with his club in a transitional phase after the departures of popular veterans Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Nick Dal Santo and Michael Firrito.
The tough midfielder denied the shock cull on the eve of the finals was a factor in their emphatic elimination final exit at the hands of Adelaide.
But he conceded the departure of the quartet has ushered in a new era at Arden Street.
"I think it's really exciting. Obviously we farewelled a few of our champions, which was sad, but we understand that's what happens in football," he said.
"It's tough. They probably all had cases to play on next year, but we all know how football works. I'll back Brad's decisions. He had to make tough calls for the footy club.
"(But) we've got a lot of young guys ready to take their opportunities. We all know what youth brings and that's excitement.
"We're super excited about 2017 and what it might bring for our footy club."
Source: AAP
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- Fit-again Kangaroo eyes AFL season-opener Dec 17
- Emotional Hartung gets moving at Kangaroos Dec 4
- North barbs disrespectful says Macmillan Nov 14
- Former North AFL captain Swallow retires Nov 8
- Roos, Thomas go separate ways in AFL split Nov 2
- Roos sign star Ben Brown to new AFL deal Oct 6
- Scott undeterred by Kangaroos trade bombs Sep 14
- Roos quick to move on after Dusty fend-off Sep 1
- Kangaroos wait for Dust to clear on future Aug 30
- Brad Scott continues as North's AFL coach Aug 30
- North axe Hansen after 11 AFL seasons Aug 29
- North set to extend coach Scott: reports Aug 28