EDFL: Jack Ziebell sent off in Avondale Heights debut

Former North Melbourne captain Jack Ziebell’s return to local footy has been overshadowed after he was sent off with the game in the balance on Anzac Day for appearing to headbutt an opponent.

Former North Melbourne captain Jack Ziebell’s return to local footy has sensationally ended in the AFL great being sent from the ground after he appeared to headbutt an opponent after giving away a high free kick just seconds earlier.

Playing for Avondale Heights in the Essendon District Football League in an Anzac Day game against Premier Division rivals Aberfeldie, Ziebell was shown a yellow card by a field umpire at the eight minute mark.

Footage of the incident shows Ziebell collecting Abers gun Daniel Thompson high after he had taken an intercept mark in front of the 33-year-old.

Aberfeldie defender Luke Davis immediately remonstrated with Ziebell before the ex-Kangaroo walked over to Thompson to check on his condition as he lay on the ground before being attended to by a trainer.

As he approached Thompson, Davis again pushed Ziebell away before more push and shove ensued with Joey Dimasi.

The incident which caught the eye of the umpire.

Ziebell appeared to thrust his head into Dimiasi’s face, prompting a reaction from several Aberfeldie players, with the umpire immediately sending Ziebell from the ground

The yellow card meant 15 minutes off the ground for Ziebell before he returned for the dying stages.

Aberfeldie co-coach Clay Illman did not want to comment on the incident, instead focusing on the brilliant effort from his defenders to keep Ziebell goalless.

Davis spent most of the day opposed to Ziebell and was given great support by Thompson, who is understood to have suffered a broken nose, and Brodie Newman.

“It was a team effort against Jack, he’s still obviously a high quality player being straight out of the AFL,” Illman said.

“You wouldn’t say Luke is underrated, he’s just expected to do the job. Thompson and Newman spent a bit of time on him as well.

“We couldn’t be happier with how they went about a tough match up.”

Aberfeldie eventually held on to win by three points, 15.7 (97) to 13.16 (94), as Avondale Heights kicked the last goal of the game at the 34-minute mark.

“We were fortunate to be in front when the siren went. It was a fantastic game of footy,” Illman said.

The win was Aberfeldie’s third straight to start the season under Illman and Ben Ronke, with the pair taking over from Adam Marcon in pre-season.

Ronke was a strong presence across the ground with four goals while Karl Brown continued his good form with three.

“From a coaching point of view, I’m rapt with how Ben is playing,” Illman said.

“We all know what he can do as a forward but he’s having a real impact in the middle of the ground. Our connection is starting to get much better now after the start to the season.

“Anthony Horomidis and Sam Medland have had really impressive starts as well.”

It was also a special day for Darby Scott and Jordan Lombardo who made their senior debuts.

“I thought they played really well,” Illman said.

“It’s always important to us to give these young guys opportunities.”

Aberfeldie will next take on Pascoe Vale while Avondale Heights travel to take on East Keilor.