Quick Facts
Biography
Jack Ziebell (born 28 February 1991) is an Australian rules footballer who is the captain of the North Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He was selected 9th overall in the 2008 AFL Draft by North Melbourne.
Early career
Ziebell played for the Murray Bushrangers alongside fellow draftee Steele Sidebottom, and was an important part of the Bushrangers premiership win in 2008, averaging 18 possessions, two goals and six marks a match. Ziebell represented Vic Country at the 2008 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships and gained All-Australian Honours after averaging 17 disposals per match.
Ziebell is originally from Wodonga, Victoria, and attended Caulfield Grammar School as a boarding student where he dominated school football.
North Melbourne
Ziebell made his debut in 2009, his first season at the club, and had an instant impact. He produced consistently impressive performances over the first two months and was rewarded with the Round 7 NAB Rising Star nomination for his 23 disposal and 1 goal game against Port Adelaide. North Melbourne coach, Dean Laidley, singled him out in the post-match press conference and declared him a "leader" and a "superstar [in the making]". Ziebell was regarded as one of the favourites for the 2009 NAB Rising Star award at the time which is awarded to the best rookie at the end of the season.
However, Ziebell suffered from minor injuries for the next few weeks and his contributions were restricted. His season took an unfortunate turn when he broke his leg against the Adelaide Crows in round 12. He missed the remainder of the 2009 season, after playing just 10 games. However, due to the injury restricting him from playing, Ziebell has retained eligibility for the Rising Star award in 2010, again making him one of the early favourites.
Late in the 2011 season, Ziebell was suspended for three matches for rough conduct on St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt. This hit was however featured on the AFL's official advertising campaign for the 2012 AFL season.
In December 2016, Ziebell was named North Melbourne's new captain, replacing Andrew Swallow.