The skinny teenager at Martin Park who became a club legend at Arden Street has announced this season will be his last in the AFL.
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Jack Ziebell announced to his North Melbourne teammates on Friday that he plans to retire at the end of this year.
Taken with pick nine in the 2008 draft, the former Wodonga Bulldog quickly became a fan favourite amongst the Roos faithful with his ferocious attack on the ball endearing him to supporters.
Ziebell, who has played 276 matches for the Roos since debuting in round one, 2009, also captained the club on 111 occasions.
He said it was an emotional time reaching the decision to retire.
"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.
"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."
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 a pillar of strength in what's been a tough period and he's been a great support to everyone at the club."
Jack Ziebell
- Drafted at selection No.9 in the 2008 AFL Draft
- Recruited from: Wodonga Bulldogs/Murray Bushrangers
- Debut: Round 1, 2009 v Melbourne
- Shinboner Number: 948
- Guernsey numbers: 19 (10 games), 7 (266 games*)
- Career games: 276*
- Career goals: 183*
- Brownlow Medal votes: 56*
- Syd Barker Medal placings: 2nd (2016), 3rd (2021)
- AFL Rising Star nominee: Round 7, 2009
- AFLPA Most Courageous Player nominee: 2013, '15, '16 and '17
- Most possessions in a game: 41 in Round 11 v Western Bulldogs, 2011
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