Few players who set out to make it to AFL level get drafted. Even fewer play one game, then two, then three, and so on.
Jack Ziebell's achievement of reaching the milestone of 250 games for the North Melbourne Football Club is one worth celebrating. Not only for his commitment to the club, but also for the club's commitment to him.
Over time he has come to personify everything that is great about the Kangaroos. That never-say-die attitude, that team-first mentality, that drive to succeed. That Shinboner spirit.
North Media recaps the career of one of this generation's great North Melbourne people.
2008
Jack Ziebell is selected by North Melbourne with its first selection - 9th overall - in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft.
2009
Ziebell makes a Round 1 debut against Melbourne at the MCG where he finishes with 10 disposals and four tackles. He has to wait until Round 4 for his first senior goal where his 22-disposal performance against Essendon proved crucial in the 12-point win.
A NAB AFL Rising Star nomination would follow in Round 7 against Port Adelaide where he finished with 23 disposals, one goal, four tackles and five marks in a brilliant all-around display.
His season was unfortunately prematurely ended by a broken leg suffered in Round 12 against Adelaide.
2010
After an extended stint on the sidelines Ziebell made his return to the field in Round 1 against Geelong. His return was a strong one, as he finished with 22 disposals, seven tackles and was awarded his first ever career Brownlow vote.
He played in the first 14 games of the season before another broken leg put an end to what was a promising second season for the young star.
2011
Ziebell bounced back from his second consecutive season-ending injury to play 21 games in his third year on the list, only missing the Round 4 clash against Fremantle.
His second half of the season was irresistible as he averaged a strong 26 disposals per game from Round 10 onwards including a career-high 41 touches in the Round 17 victory over the Western Bulldogs.
At the end of the season he was elected into a new-look five man leadership group alongside Drew Petrie, Daniel Wells, Brent Harvey and captain Andrew Swallow.
2012
A late suspension in the 2011 season meant Ziebell couldn't take to the park until Round 3, where he put together a brutal 27 disposals and four goals in a victory over reigning premiers Geelong.
He continued to build momentum over the season as North was unceremoniously booted out of the elimination final by West Coast. He was the club's best performer in the loss with 30 disposals and 12 clearances.
2013
Ziebell emerged as one of North's top performers in his fifth season at AFL level, with his consistent displays of courage endearing him to the Shinboner faithful.
His 27 disposal, four-goal performance against Collingwood in the final round of the season earned him three Brownlow votes, and he was recognised for both his ability and burgeoning leadership skills with a spot on the interchange of the 22Under22 side in which he was also named as vice-captain to Essendon's Dyson Heppell.
2014
Ziebell becomes vice-captain Jack as he is elected to become Andrew Swallow's right-hand man. His status as a future leader of the club is now truly on show.
He was a strong contributor across the season as the Kangaroos reached the preliminary final before suffering elimination at the hands of Sydney.
His performance in the semi-final against Geelong practically dragged the Kangaroos over the line. He finished with two goals and eight tackles in a six-point win.
2015
Ziebell proves instrumental as the Roos make their second consecutive preliminary final, this time suffering defeat to West Coast.
His performances against the old enemy, Essendon, were a thing of beauty. He polled five out of a potential six Brownlow votes across the two clashes to finish with a career-best eight votes for the season.
2016
Ziebell's consistency shines through once again as he plays all but one game for the season as North Melbourne once again contested finals football.
He set the AFL record for tackles in a game with 19 against Melbourne in Round 3, a marker that is still yet to be beaten.
Arguably his best career-season to date, Ziebell finished as runner-up by just six votes in the Syd Barker Medal to close friend Robbie Tarrant's winning tally of 263 votes.
Ziebell evolves to become 'Captain Jack' at the end of the season and replaces Andrew Swallow as skipper.
2017
North Melbourne struggles in Ziebell's first season as captain, but he manages to steady the ship and puts together one of his best seasons to date, averaging 22.2 disposals and 5.8 tackles per game.
2018
After splitting his time between the midfield and forward line for the bulk of his career so far, Ziebell became a genuine forward in 2018 and kicked 35 goals in 22 games for the campaign.
He has a day out against Sydney in Round 17 against the Swans, one of the best of his career, as he finished with 22 disposals, five goals and nine marks.
He kicks multiple goals in exactly half of the games he played that year.
2019
The continued emergence of the likes of Kayne Turner, Tarryn Thomas, Nick Larkey and Cam Zurhaar saw Ziebell move back into the midfield in 2019, to great effect.
He celebrated his 200th game against Gold Coast in Round 12 before the Kangaroos narrowly missed out on finals at the end of the campaign.
2020
Restricted to just eight games in a covid interrupted season, 2020 was quite possibly the most difficult campaign of Ziebell's now storied career.
After suffering a serious knee injury in Round 1, the season delay allowed him to recover in time to return for the season restart, but the captain just couldn't find momentum with his body in this campaign.
2021
A change in coach resulted in a change in role for Ziebell, who now found himself leading the side from the half-back flank.
He registered career-high per game averages in disposals (25.2) and marks (7.4) on route to a third-placed finish in the Syd Barker Medal behind Jy Simpkin and Ben Cunnington.
His return to the field allowed new leaders like Luke McDonald, Jy Simpkin and Kayne Turner to thrive under his watchful eye.
He signed a two-year contract extension at season's end to tie him to his beloved North Melbourne until at least the end of 2024.
2022
Ever the team man, Ziebell has played in multiple positions this season. Starting the season down back he's also returned to his more traditional forward role when required.
He showed he could still be a lethal threat forward of the football in Round 4 against Sydney and is set to become just the 12th Kangaroo to register 250 games for the club in Round 11 against St Kilda.
Congratulations Jack!
