JACK Ziebell says North Melbourne remains hell-bent on winning all its remaining games this season even though its chances of making the finals are now all but gone.
Ziebell told AFL.com.au on Tuesday the Roos had not discussed their approach to the remainder of 2013 since their one-point loss to Carlton last Friday night.
Now 13th on the ladder and three games behind eighth-placed Port Adelaide, the Roos' final six matches include clashes with Geelong, Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, Essendon, Hawthorn and Collingwood.
Pressure is also growing on the club to blood its youth with some commentators highlighting the fact that the Roos have used three fewer players than any other club this year (30).
But Ziebell is adamant the Roos will be just as singleminded on winning as they have been all season.
"We're a really competitive side and no matter our ladder position we're going to go out and try and win every game possible," Ziebell said.
"That's our mentality. We're just really focusing on this weekend against Melbourne, trying to get the win against them.
"If we do that, we can move to the next week and so on. We'll just keep looking forward like that."
Ziebell expects to play against the Demons after recovering well from a heavy knock to his left shin against Carlton.
The North co-vice-captain broke his left leg twice within a year in his first two AFL seasons and said he had a "couple of nervous moments" last Friday night immediately after the knock.
"Once I got to the sidelines and I could walk on it and run around a little bit it was OK," he said.
"It's more of a bruise than anything else. But I've pulled up well and should be right for this weekend."
Ziebell said far from being daunted by its tough run home North would relish the chance to test itself against the top teams.
North fell four points short of beating Geelong in round two, three points short of Hawthorn in round five and got within 10 points of Collingwood late in the final quarter of round one before losing by 16 points.
Ziebell said the opportunity to reverse those results and to claim the scalp of second-placed Essendon would drive the Roos in the coming weeks.
"There's no better challenge to pit yourselves againstthe best sides in the competition and see where you're at," he said.
"This year our results probably haven't reflected whatwe would like. But in saying that we've got the opportunity again to play the good sides and show them what we're capable of, which is exciting."
Although Ziebell refuses to concede the Roos' finals chances are kaput, he says no matter what happens 2013 won't be a wasted season.
"North Melbourne is a very proud club and we expect to play finals, but we've done a lot of developing this year."
"We've learnt a lot of lessons in a few different areas as well that are going to stand us in really good stead for the future.
"I'm really excited about the group we've got at the moment. I can see it is moving forward in a positive manner, which is fantastic."
Nick Bowen is a reporter with AFL Media. Follow him onTwitter @AFL_Nick
