NORTH Melbourne midfielder Jack Ziebell says he "has bounced back really well" after being concussed last Saturday and is determined to be available for selection come round one.
The 24-year-old was carried from the ground on a stretcher in the second quarter of the Roos' final NAB Challenge hit-out against Richmond, after accidentally colliding with Tigers defender Alex Rance.
Ziebell said he will gradually increase his training workload in preparation for his side's season-opener against Adelaide on April 5.
"I've been in contact with the doc every day since the concussion, and I've improved every day as well which has been great," Ziebell told reporters on Tuesday at Arden Street.
"If I had to, I could probably get out there and train today, but the sensible approach that the AFL and our club definitely takes on concussion is making sure I do everything I can to be right for round one."
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Ziebell said he was "out of position" when he attempted to tackle Rance, adding that Saturday's incident was the first time he had suffered a concussion on the football field.
"I've been pretty lucky. Some guys in the AFL have had multiple concussions but, for me, it’s the first time and hopefully the only time it happens to me."
The Roos' vice-captain, who underwent post-season shoulder surgery, said he has aimed to fine-tune his tackling technique over the summer without losing any of his "instincts".
"If you take away a player's instincts, what does he play on?" Ziebell said.
"For me personally, (I'm) still going to play on my instincts but just some tackling techniques that I have to do a little bit of work on … just to hopefully play all the games this year."
In the latter stages of last season, Ziebell drifted into the forward line to complement his midfield duties, registering a total nine goals in North's last five games.
Ziebell said he could again push forward in patches this year, but his sole aim will be to perform in the midfield.
"It's good to know I've added that string to my bow towards the end of last year," he said.
"I'd like to play mostly in the midfield this year but whether the coach (Brad Scott) wants to put me up forward a little bit, that's his decision."
The Roos enter the home and away season with renewed optimism following the off-season acquisitions of experienced pair Jarrad Waite and Shaun Higgins.
But Ziebell acknowledged the club must improve if it wants to replicate last year's on-field efforts, especially after being dealt a "harsh reality check" against the Sydney Swans in the preliminary final.
"We had a couple of great additions in the off-season but we understand that we've got a lot of work to," he said.
"We've understood over the pre-season where we needed to get better and we've worked really hard on these areas."
It didn't look good for Jack Ziebell on Saturday afternoon. Picture: AFL Media
