External talk that North could fall down the ladder in 2017 is only providing further motivation for the players to perform, according to Jack Ziebell.

"It's not the first time North Melbourne has been written off. Don't worry about that," Ziebell told AAP.

"Guys read that. It adds motivation."

The youth that will be on display throughout the year is energising Ziebell in his first year as skipper.

"We've got some seriously talented young kids coming through that I don't think the football public have seen yet,” he said.

“We're super excited to put them on show. It's going to be awesome.

"With the four or five senior players that left last year comes four or five vacant spots in the senior side. We've just got to get them playing to our structures.

"A lot of guys have sensed opportunity. It'll be a tough decision for coaches to try and pick a side."

One youngster in particular who stood out in the JLT Series was Jy Simpkin.

The 18-year-old, North’s first selection in the 2016 National Draft, impressed in his appearances against the Hawks and Giants.

A debut against the Eagles could now be on the cards.

"I'd love to see him out there because I love the way he plays," Ziebell said of Simpkin.

"He's come on in the last six to eight weeks and is going to be a very exciting footballer for a very long time.

"To sell a bit of candy to one of the greatest players to pull on a Hawthorn football jumper is not bad. Hopefully he can do that a few more times over his career."