Jack Ziebell's start to the season has been enormous, so there's no wonder he's drawing some big comparisons.

Early in his career Brad Scott said he reminded him of Michael Voss, and now David King has claimed he plays like Mark Ricciuto

“Strong body, a bull, can play midfield and go forward and kick goals,’’ King said.

The Herald Sun's Mark Robinson though, believes 25-year-old Ziebell is similar to Geelong champion Jimmy Bartel.

"Strong overhead, fierce at the contest, big moments player," Robinson wrote.

"Bartel was clutch, Ziebell is earning a reputation for just that. In the third quarter of last weekend’s bruiser against Fremantle, as the Dockers mounted a challenge, Ziebell kicked two monster goals, both from beyond 50m to ignite North Melbourne’s momentum.

"That was Bartel’s speciality. Big goal when it was needed. Win the tough ball when it was needed. Inspire when it mattered most."

Ziebell has also had his fair share of knockers. After breaking his leg twice in his first two seasons, Paul Roos suggested his fitness wasn't up to AFL standard.

"There was a never a doubt he could play, but Ziebell’s issues have been inconsistency, recklessness drawing suspensions, injury and, at times, stupid courage.

"The 2016 season to date has seen Ziebell take his game to a higher level. Always brave, he looks more commanding, more complete a player."

The stats don't lie according to Robinson.

"He’s played just 128 games and at the stage of Bartel’s career, his numbers stack up well. Same goals, same score assists, more tackles, more clearances, more contested possessions, three fewer average disposals.

"Ziebell is the next captain of North Melbourne. He’s an old-school kind of footballer. He’s been driven from day one, he likes a beer with the lads, and goes to work on the field with a ferocious competitive spirit.

"It’s that spirit that endears him to his teammates, the coach and the rest of the footy world."