JACK Ziebell has taken another step towards AFL captaincy by being promoted as North Melbourne’s sole deputy.
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The former Wodonga player has shared the vice-captaincy with veteran forward Drew Petrie in recent years.
“Drew said: 'you're a big boy now, you can handle it’,” Ziebell, 24, said.
“It will be a great experience being the sole vice-captain.”
Although speculation has been rife that Ziebell could replace Andrew Swallow at the helm, the Roos opted to appoint the centreman for a fifth season.
Only Wayne Carey (184 games), Wayne Schimmelbusch (150) and Adam Simpson (110) have captained the Roos more often.
Swallow and Ziebell have been joined in North Melbourne’s leadership group by Shaun Higgins, Scott Thompson and Jamie Macmillan.
“The way Jack's developed has been amazing,” Swallow said.
“We've got a lot of guys waiting in the wings.”
Ziebell has played 124 matches the Roos since debuting in 2009.
