When the task was set for Jack Ziebell to take out Carlton’s Patrick Cripps, the North captain didn’t hesitate to step up to the plate.

“We were really conscious that Patrick Cripps is the most dominant midfielder in the competition at the moment, so it was a huge challenge for Jack Ziebell in particular,” Brad Scott said post-match.

Ziebell was instrumental in his side’s 58-point win over Carlton at Marvel Stadium, nullifying Cripps in the early stages of the match. Cripps had just two disposals in the first quarter, both ineffective, as the Roos bounced out to a 32-point quarter-time lead.

“We set him that task and, in combination with our other mids, it did really well for us early,” Scott added.

Offensively the 28-year-old was a presence, kicking his side’s first goal of the afternoon and ending the match with eight clearances.

With the Roos 1-5 going into the Round 7 clash, ruckman Todd Goldstein says the side was looking to its leader to set the tone.

“He’s the captain of the club and you look for the leaders to stand up when things aren’t going well,” Goldstein told RSN.

“We had no doubt when Jack was given the job to try and take out Cripps, then to see that Cripps had only had one or two possessions at quarter-time, you weren’t surprised because that’s the type of person Jack is.”

“Whatever role he needs to do, he’ll put his hand up and he’ll do it to the best of his ability,” Ben Cunnington added.

“He’s one of the best captains you could have and he leads by example.”

After coming under heavy criticism for his Good Friday game, Ziebell has bounced back with a vengeance, spending more time around the ball.

“The focus for us is to try and get him up and about,” Goldstein said.

“It’s been a bit tough in the first part of the season with the ball not coming inside forward 50, and we’re butchering the ball while he’s trying to apply his trade inside 50.

“He’s enjoyed coming back around the ball.

“He’s still going to play a vital role for us up forward, but now we’re getting back players like Taylor Garner and Cam Zurhaar, it does free Jack to come back up to the midfield.”