North Melbourne skipper Jack Ziebell is intent on putting the harsh lessons of his first AFL campaign in the top job into practice in 2018.
The 26-year-old took over from Andrew Swallow ahead of the 2017 season and will continue in the role for a second season after a players' vote.
He endured a baptism of fire as the Kangaroos lurched to a 0-5 start and never recovered, finishing a disappointing season 15th on the ladder.
"I've learnt a lot, leadership is a tough gig sometimes, (but) I think as a group we've learnt a lot over the past 18 months," Ziebell told reporters on Monday.
"Going zip-and-five at the start of last year was a big challenge. It was one that I hadn't faced in my career before and to be captain for those first five weeks and not get a win was definitely challenging.
"But the resolve the group had in that time was really exciting for me."
Ziebell also endured a torrid time of it on the injury front, the star midfielder hobbled by shoulder, rib and toe injuries.
He required post-season surgery to correct an issue with the big toe on his left foot that saw him miss three games toward the end of the season.
"I'm very close to 100 per cent (fit) now," he said.
"I had a modified (training) plan leading into the Christmas break, but I didn't have much of a break over Christmas.
"I trained quite hard, so I could get back and pretty much all of the first day of training.
"I'm feeling really fit and confident in my body and can't wait to get stuck into 2018. "
Robbie Tarrant will continue as vice-captain and Jamie Macmillan and Shaun Higgins round out the leadership group.
Share
