THE pain of two straight preliminary final losses is driving North Melbourne star Jack Ziebell through the pre-season.
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The Wodonga product admits it’s been frustrating to get so close to the AFL grand final, and knows the Roos have plenty of hard work in front of them to go deep into the finals again next season.
“We’ve done that (lost preliminary finals) two years in a row which is quite frustrating,” Ziebell, 24, said.
“There’s a whole lot of hard work ahead of us to get there.
“Two losses in prelims does drive you.
“We are putting a lot of focus into that round-one game and hopefully we’ll play some consistent football throughout the year.”
Ziebell, who’s been touted as the club’s next captain, shapes as a driving force in North’s push for its first flag since 1999.
The vice-captain’s still recovering from post-season shoulder surgery, but will soon start contact training with his teammates.
The midfielder had a tendon at the back of his shoulder repaired in order to strengthen it before season.
“It feels really good,” Ziebell said.
“Hopefully I’ll get into contact work soon.
“Having a shoulder (problem) is a lot better than having a knee at this time of year.
“Hopefully I’ll be back in full training in no time.”
Ziebell’s spent some of his off-season back on the Border, but it hasn’t all been a walk in the park.
He’s riding his bike on Wednesday from Blue Duck, near Omeo, all the way to Mitta, a trek organised by his father, Gary.
“It will probably take four or five hours to do it,” Ziebell said.
“There’s 20-odd people doing it this year but in coming years we’ll line it up with charities.
“He (Gary) loves that area and he’s hoping to get a few people involved.”
Ziebell hopes good mate and fellow Wodonga product Kayne Turner can get even more involved in 2016.
Turner played 13 games in 2015, taking his tally to 19.
“He’s chucked on a couple of kilos now so he’s just upgraded from a jockey to a small man,” Ziebell said.
“He’s come back in good nick and we are looking for him to take his opportunity now.
“He’s been training really well and getting a lot fitter and a lot stronger.”
The Roos face St Kilda at Norm Minns Oval on February 20 in the NAB Challenge.
