He’s a good country boy at heart, so when Jack Ziebell saw the opportunity to give back to grassroots football, he jumped at it.

The North vice-captain recently teamed up with clothing company Duce Urban and created his own cap paying homage to his junior club the Wodonga Bulldogs. Featuring a large ’W’ on the front, proceeds from the sales of the magenta coloured design will be given back to the team he grew up playing for.

“I know they’ll be able to use some extra money for new footballs, uniforms, training equipment and facilities,” Ziebell said.

“It’s just a small way to give back to the club that gave me so much in my junior days.”

At 13 and 14 Ziebell played both fourths (under 14s) and thirds (under 17s) at Mitta Mitta in the nearby Tallangatta and District Football League on Saturdays before playing Wodonga juniors on Sundays.

At just 15 years and five months, Ziebell became the youngest Wodonga Bulldog player to make a senior debut when he lined up against North Albury in 2006. He eclipsed the late Claude Schulz’s record which was set in 1955 by five months.

“I have some great memories of my playing days there and I’m really delighted to be in a position now where I can help out in a more meaningful way off the field.

“This is a great initiative and I’m really excited about it. I hope people like my design and get behind the idea.”

PRESS PLAY above to watch Ziebell's media conference at Duce Urban

Ziebell’s father Gary also has fond memories of Jacks feats in the Ovens and Murray League. He especially remembers the 2007 semi-final against Yarrawonga when his 16-year-old son kicked three goals after halftime and finished with 12 marks to help the Bulldogs win.

In a try-out game, Jack kicked nine first-half goals and was never one to take a backward step.

“The oldest guy on the field had a crack at him,” Gary Ziebell said.

“I remember going up to him on the ground and saying, ‘mate, these blokes are going to try and rough you up because you’re a young kid and if you cop it at the start you’re going to cop it all day’.

“So this bloke had a go at him and Jack turned around and belted him and he had to go off with the blood rule.”

At age 17 and 18, Ziebell played for the Murray Bushrangers alongside North teammate Sam Wright.