Jack Ziebell says that spending more time inside forward 50 is a realistic possibility for the North Melbourne midfielder in 2018.
The 26-year-old believes that while he has made cameo appearances near goal in recent years, the success of Dustin Martin’s hybrid midfield-forward role for reigning premiers Richmond in 2017 could see the Roos increase Ziebell’s time in attacking 50 this season in a bid emulate the star Tiger’s success.
The Kangaroos captain says that he would be happy to change up his role for the side should it increase their chances of winning more games.
“I am a midfielder at heart (but) I do enjoy going forward, everyone loves going forward and kicking a couple of goals,” Ziebell told SEN Drive.
“I’ll just play where the coach tells me to play. If he wants me to play forward for the majority of the year, I’ll do that, but if he wants me to play in the midfield I can do that also, whatever is best for the team.”
2017 Brownlow Medallist Martin, who was linked with the Roos before signing on with Richmond for life shortly before their successful finals campaign last year, averaged 29.8 disposals a game last season while also booting an impressive 37 goals.
Ziebell says the introduction of 2017 first round pick Luke Davies-Uniacke and the likely debut of former Giant and 2014 first round pick Paul Ahern this season will increase the depth of the Roos midfield, with fellow youngster Jy Simpkin also likely to spend more time in the side’s engine room in 2018.
He believes this could see himself and fellow senior midfielders Ben Cunnington and Shaun Higgins be rotated down forward more often.
Ziebell was today appointed as North’s captain for a second year running, believing his “authentic” leadership style has resonated well with his teammates.
“A lot of guys in the past have been promoted to leadership positions and changed the way they have behaved,” he said.
“That sort of stuff is seen straight through (by the playing group), so for the first 12 months I mustn’t have done too bad of a job.
“I’m pretty pumped to get the job again and lead the club into 2018.”
North Melbourne kick off their 2018 campaign against the Gold Coast Suns in Cairns on Saturday March 24.
Listen to Jack Ziebell chatting with the boys on SEN Drive in the player below: