North Melbourne veteran Jack Ziebell has confirmed he will hang up the boots at season’s end, saying “the time is right” to move on, in an emotional announcement to his teammates and the club on Friday.
Ziebell has played 276 games in the blue and white, captaining the club from 2017 until 2022.
“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,” Ziebell said.
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“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.”
The 32-year-old, who will see out the final five matches of the home-and-away season, says his decision was made for the betterment of North Melbourne’s future.
“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,” Ziebell said.
In his touching address to the players and coaching staff, Ziebell also expressed his gratitude to the North Melbourne faithful.
“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.”
It comes as North Melbourne confirmed that mid-season recruit Robert Hansen Jr will make his debut against West Coast on Sunday.
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