Richmond’s new assistant coach, former North Melbourne captain Jack Ziebell, is ready to embark on the transition from player to coach.
Less than two months ago, Jack Ziebell played his final AFL game for North Melbourne, completing a 280-game career.
Now he’s getting a fresh start in Tigerland and is ready to embark on the transition from player to coach.
“Being offered the job last week was exciting,” said Ziebell, who has worked at North for 15 years.
“Coming to a club like Richmond and being so proud of its history and being such a great club in Victoria… (It’s) an opportunity that I’m really excited about,” he said.
“I hope we can advance as quickly as possible”. playing career and reflect on the next chapter.
“Probably the last four or five years, as an older player in the league, you’re trying to help develop,” Ziebell said. the last two or three years, it was something I could do after football.
“This season I took on a coaching role with the North Melbourne AFLW team to dip my toe in the water. I love it so much and what I can bring to the show is really exciting.
“It solidified that I wanted to coach and then it was about looking for an opportunity somewhere and I was very fortunate to be offered a job at Richmond.”
Part of Ziebell’s appeal is the opportunity to play a role in a new era for the Tigers, led by recently announced senior coach Adem Yze.
“Adem’s first year at Richmond is really exciting to be joining the new senior coach and helping him execute his game plan and build the club the way he wants,” Ziebell speak.
“We also have a very senior coaching group with Ben Rutten and David Teague as well as the appointment of Chris Newman. I’m really looking forward to working with and learning from these coaches.
” Richmond is absolutely made for a young and exciting roster. So I’m looking forward to working with the younger guys and hopefully helping them develop their careers so they can become the best players they can be. »
Ziebell has played all over the field throughout his long career, but has primarily worked in the Tigers’ midfield alongside new Tigers assistant coach Chris Newman.
And the fact that he’s new to the field is something Ziebell hopes will help him create a good reputation with the Tigers’ playing group.
“I was lucky enough to spend 10 years as a quarterback and learn a lot of different things from a lot of different coaches,” he said.
“Our game is one of the most physically and mentally demanding, so understanding the difficulty of the game is something I will be quite sympathetic to.
“I also try make the most of each individual’s abilities and development to perfect their skills and develop their strengths and ability to improve to help them become better players.”
Is A natural leader, Ziebell captained North for six years from 2017 to 2022 and has spent more than 10 years in the leadership group, demonstrating qualities he believes will serve him well. as a coach.
“I love working in a team of highly motivated people who are striving towards a goal and that’s exactly what’s happening at Richmond,” he said.
“I am very excited about the prospect
