Former North Melbourne captain Jack Ziebell will retire at season’s end

The youth takeover at North Melbourne will step up a notch in 2024 after a former skipper announced his retirement.

Jack Ziebell has announced his retirement. Picture: Michael Klein

Jack Ziebell declared he had “given everything” for North Melbourne after the former club captain confirmed he’d retire at the end of his 17th season in the AFL.

The 32-year-old made the emotional announcement to his teammates before training on Friday morning.

Having been playing as the sub in recent weeks for the Kangaroos, Ziebell, who has played 276 games, said he’d walk away from the game knowing he’d 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.

A team man from beginning to end.

After 276 games and six seasons as captain, Jack Ziebell has decided to hang up the boots.#Kangas

— North Melbourne FC (@NMFCOfficial) July 28, 2023

“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 was drafted to the club as a 17-year-old in the 2008 AFL draft and made his debut in round 1, 2009.

Jack Ziebell has announced his retirement. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

He was elevated to the team’s leadership group three years later at just 21 years old. He 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 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.”

Originally published as Former North Melbourne captain Jack Ziebell will retire at season’s end