AFL: North Melbourne captain Jack Ziebell keen for Kangaroos to make a stand in Good Friday clash with Bulldogs

The Kangaroos and Bulldogs are both desperate for a win on Good Friday but understand the occasion is about more than just them.

Western Bulldogs star Caleb Daniel and North Melbourne captain Jack Ziebell pose with Jai Waters (middle) ahead of the Good Friday Super Clash. Picture: Getty Images

North Melbourne captain Jack Ziebell wants the Kangaroos to show the Western Bulldogs and the rest of the AFL how far they have come since last year’s 128-point Good Friday drubbing.

Almost 30,000 fans turned up to see North dish up one of its worst performances at this time last year but Ziebell expects a vastly improved showing 12 months on, as football “takes a back seat” to a much-bigger cause.

“Itwasn’t a great day – we were beaten pretty badly last year and we know the Bulldogs are a quality team,” he said.

“They played in the grand final last year and they’ve got stars all over the paddock, so we’re going to have to be on our toes to make sure that we’re in the game.

“I think last week (against Sydney) was really important for us to gain a bit of confidence. It was disappointing we didn’t win, but I think we made some good strides in the way we want to play our football.”

A dejected Jack Ziebell trudges off the SCG last week after the heartbreaking loss to Sydney. Picture: Getty Images

Ziebell and Bulldogs counterpart Caleb Daniel were at Marvel Stadium on Tuesday to promote this year’s Good Friday Super Clash, which doubles as a chance to raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital.

They spent time kicking a football with 17-year-old Bulldogs fan Jai Waters, who had a second kidney transplant barely two weeks ago.

“It means a lot to be able to put smiles on some young kids’ faces and hopefully raise a fair bit of money for a good cause,” Daniel said.

“We always circle this event on the calendar every year and we’re really appreciative of the AFL to give us that that timeslot; to verse a great team in North and hopefully raise some funds for some much-needed research.”

Like Daniel, Ziebell said he and his teammates were privileged to play on the Good Friday stage and hoped there would be a strong crowd to watch both clubs try to win their second match of the season.

Jack Ziebell hopes the Good Friday game can help raise funds for kids like 17-year-old Jai Waters. Picture: Getty Images

“Bring your kids, bring your mum and dad, bring everyone you know,” Ziebell said.

“We want to get as many people at the game as possible and ideally want to raise as much money as we possibly can.

“Good Friday is one of the only days that football takes a back seat and there’s going to be plenty of people representing the Royal Children’s Hospital here on Friday.

“We’re very fortunate to be involved in this game and pioneer this game and very thankful to the AFL for the opportunity to play and have a big impact in hopefully raising a lot of money for a really great cause.”