Retiring North Melbourne veteran Jack Ziebell says he has no frustration with the state of the Kangaroos’ rebuild as he backs Alastair Clarkson to make them a pressure as soon as once more.
The Kangaroos stalwart advised teammates on Friday morning he would name time on his 15-year profession on the finish of the season.
North Melbourne has been mired to the foot of the ladder since 2020 and its rebuild has been sophisticated by points together with Alastair Clarkson’s mid-season absence and the doubtless departure of essential key defender Ben McKay by way of free company.
But the previous captain mentioned he had confidence the membership would stay heading in the right direction, and bore no unfavourable emotions over the tough ultimate years of his profession.
“There’s no frustration at all for me … I honestly want this footy club back playing finals as quick as possible,” he mentioned.
“For me, if we can win the last four games of the year I’d be rapt, but if we can’t, it probably doesn’t change the destination of our journey.
“We’ve got some very, very good people running the program as we speak, and some elite talent here as well … it’s probably not going to happen overnight, but in the next two, three, four, five years, North Melbourne will get back to where they belong.”
Ziebell mentioned he had slept effectively and was noticeably happier since he determined a fortnight in the past it might be his ultimate season.
He mentioned he had no regrets over the bash-and-crash model of play which doubtless prevented him from enjoying on longer.
“If I didn’t play that way, I probably wouldn’t have got a game, so you rob Peter to pay Paul in that aspect,” he mentioned.
“I wouldn’t change anything about my career, except for maybe playing in a few more finals … I can sleep well knowing that I’ve given it my all.”
Ziebell mentioned the spotlight of his profession was the Kangaroos’ back-to-back preliminary ultimate appearances in 2014-15, wherein he had a big affect as a strong inside midfielder who averaged a aim a recreation throughout these seasons.
He mentioned he was keen to stay in soccer and would doubtless discover a training position for subsequent season.
“I’ve played footy for 15 years at the highest level and it’s all I know … I’d love to be able to stay in the industry in any capacity that may be … coaching is an avenue I’d love to explore and go now,” he mentioned.
Ziebell mentioned he can be the “super sub” towards West Coast on Sunday because the Roos eye a golden alternative to snap their 16-game shedding streak.
Mid-season draft choice Robert Hansen Jr will make his debut within the conflict at Optus Stadium.
Ziebell, who was recruited with decide 9 within the 2008 nationwide draft after anticipating to land at Brisbane two picks earlier, mentioned he was working with the membership on the prospect of a farewell recreation towards Richmond on the MCG in spherical 23.
Source: www.news.com.au
