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.[1] Ziebell represented Vic Country at the 2008 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships and gained All-Australian Honours after averaging 17 disposals per match.[1] In his younger years he played local football for Wodonga Bulldogs, where me made his senior debut at just 15 years old.[2]
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, Danielle Laidley, singled him out in the post-match press conference and declared him a "leader" and a "superstar [in the making]".[5] 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.[6] 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.[7]
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.[8] He remained captain for six years until stepping down before the 2023 season.[9]
On 28 July 2023, Ziebell announced he would retire from AFL at the conclusion of the 2023 season.[10] He retired in the second last round of that year, playing his last game against the Richmond Tigers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.[11]
In his last four years as a player, three of which he was captain, North Melbourne finished the season either last or second last on the ladder. In his first year as an assistant coach at Richmond, the Tigers spiralled to the bottom of the ladder.
Coaching Career
Jack Ziebell joined Richmond as an assistant under Adem Yze.[12]
^The 2020 season was played with 17 home-and-away matches per team (down from 22) and 16-minute quarters with time on (down from 20-minute quarters with time on) due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
