Another head knock has raised concerns about Leigh Adams' health and ruled him out of North Melbourne's AFL season opener.
While teammate Jack Ziebell is recovering well from the concussion he suffered in Saturday's AFL pre-season game, Adams will have to wait for a fortnight before knowing more about his immediate playing future.
Adams suffered his latest injury while playing a VFL practice match on Saturday for Werribee.
He has had a number of head knocks in games over the last few years, most recently in round 23 last season.
After playing every senior game, Adams was forced out of the finals because of the injury.
He will see a medical specialist again over Easter, meaning Adams will definitely miss North's round-one match in Adelaide against the Crows.
But Ziebell aims to play every AFL game this season and do so without changing his hard-nosed attitude.
While the North Melbourne midfielder recognises he needs to work on his tackling technique, he is adamant the intent will stay ferocious.
A mistimed tackle left Ziebell knocked out in Saturday's pre-season win over Richmond at Etihad Stadium.
He was taken off the ground on a stretcher after the accidental collision with Tigers defender Alex Rance.
Ziebell said it was the first time he had been concussed in his 100-game career.
He was restricted to light duties at Tuesday training, but added he is improving every day and is confident of being ready for their Easter Sunday season opener against the Crows at Adelaide Oval.
"Some of the positions I get myself into with my body, especially around tackling, it's probably not ideal for my shoulders," he said.
"(It's) not trying to take away my instincts or the way I play footy.
"You take away a player's instincts, what does he play on?"
Ziebell added he was entirely to blame for Saturday's concussion.
"I was out of position in that tackle, so that's my fault and I got the punishment as well.
"It's definitely an area (where) I need to improve.
"I'm feeling really good ... obviously concussion on the weekend, it wasn't ideal timing, but I've bounced back really well."
While it was Ziebell's first concussion, he has suffered several injuries during his career.
Last year he had knee and shoulder problems and had shoulder surgery in the off-season.
Ziebell also jarred his shoulder against Richmond and was back on the field only a short while before the collision with Rance.
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