North Melbourne great and former club captain Jack Ziebell will call time on his playing career following the Round 23 clash against Richmond at the MCG.
Ziebell revealed his intentions to the group before training on Friday morning.
The 276-game veteran said he will walk away from the game knowing he’s given his all right up until his last match.
“On one hand it’s always a hard decision to give up the thing you love the most, but on the other I think my body will thank me for it,” Ziebell said.
“From the time I walked into the place I’ve felt right at home and I’ve made some amazing lifelong friendships and connections. This is a special place and I’ll always cherish being part of the club.
“I’ve given everything I can for this footy club, but I think the time is right for me to pass the baton to others to take us forward.
“I truly believe we have the building blocks to eventually go far as a club. I think back to those finals wins in 2014 and ’15 and how amazing the feeling around the club was and I know those times aren’t too far away.
“To our fans – you have been amazingly supportive of me over my entire journey. I can’t thank you enough and I look forward to seeing the joy on your faces when we do turn things around.
“I have so many more people to thank but I’ll get myself through to the end of the season and express my appreciation then.”
Ziebell came to the club as a 17-year-old after being taken with selection nine in the 2008 AFL Draft.
He made his debut in Round 1, 2009, in a win against Melbourne at the MCG. He was elevated to the team’s leadership group three years later at just 21 years old. He has been an official club leader ever since.
A tough, brave and combative player, Ziebell assumed the captaincy of the club ahead of the 2017 season, and led the team out in 111 matches.
North Melbourne general manager of football Todd Viney said Ziebell’s presence would be missed.
“I can remember watching Jack from afar and thinking that he’s my kind of footballer,” Viney said.
“To watch him up close and see the leadership, ability to play through adversity and the team-first attitude has been a real privilege.
“I’ve only been here a short time in Jack’s 15-year journey but he’s been a pillar of strength in what’s been a tough period and he’s been a great support to everyone at the club.
“It’s typical of Jack that he wanted to do what’s best for North Melbourne in making this call and it’s this selfless approach that will help us get back to contending for silverware.”
Jack Ziebell fact file
Drafted at selection No.9 in the 2008 AFL Draft
Recruited from: Wodonga Bulldogs/Murray Bushrangers
Debut: Round 1, 2009 v Melbourne
Shinboner Number: 948
Guernsey numbers: 19 (10 games), 7 (266 games*)
Career games: 276*
Career goals: 183*
Brownlow Medal votes: 56*
Syd Barker Medal placings: 2nd (2016), 3rd (2021)
AFL Rising Star nominee: Round 7, 2009
AFLPA Most Courageous Player nominee: 2013, ‘15, ‘16 and ‘17
Most possessions in a game: 41 in Round 11 v Western Bulldogs, 2011
