North vice-captain Jack Ziebell says maintaining the same level of output across the season will be his main challenge in 2016.
The 24-year-old played 24 games for the Roos this season, averaging 19 disposals, six tackles and four marks per match.
Ziebell said he had to bring the same level of intensity every week.
“Consistency is something that I’ve been working on for my career and it’s something that I need to keep working on, backing up week in, week out,” Ziebell told NMFC.com.au.
PRESS PLAY above to watch the full video | YouTube
“If I can do that and string it together then I’ll look to have a pretty consistent year next year.
“My performance in general, I think it was a little bit inconsistent and there’s definitely a lot of room for improvement.”
Unlike previous seasons, Ziebell didn't miss a game due to injury and managed the most matches in a single season since being recruited with pick No.9 in the 2008 national draft.
“It was nice to put a year together where I didn’t get injured; I haven’t had one in my career,” he said.
Ziebell fought back strongly from post-season shoulder surgery and again showcased his fearless and fierce attack on the ball.
The courageous midfielder spent two nights in hospital to nurse a bruised lung he suffered in a collision with Port Adelaide's Ollie Wines in round three.
Luckily, he made a quick recovery and played all but one game this season, only missing round 21 through suspension following his strike on St Kilda’s Jack Newnes.
“I had a couple of challenges towards the start of the year, going through concussion in the last pre-season game sort of affected me a little bit for round one, but after that I think it was OK,” he said.
“In round three, I hurt my lungs; I didn’t miss a game but that shook me up a little bit.
“I missed one game through suspension which was disappointing but it was the most games I’ve played in a year in my career, so I’m happy with that.”
Ziebell finished equal second on the club’s Brownlow Medal leaderboard, picking up maximum votes in round seven against Essendon, two votes against the Bombers in round 16 and three votes against Carlton in round 18.
RELATED: Jack Ziebell's player profile
The 124-gamer led the Roos’ total kicks (354) and inside 50 entries this season (96), finished second overall in tackles (134) and centre clearances (58), and third in contested possessions (240) and clearances (122).
Ziebell said featuring in three finals again this year would only continue to motivate the group over the off-season.
“It was great to play finals again this year; the performance the boys put together in the first two weeks (against Richmond and the Sydney Swans) was great,” he said.
“It’s always nice individually to contribute to those wins.
“A little bit disappointing in the performance against West Coast, but those performances will drive you for next year.”
