MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 28: Luke McDonald of the Kangaroos celebrates after kicking a goal as Jack Ziebell of the Kangaroos looks on during the round 10 AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Etihad Stadium on May 28, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

North Melbourne have announced their new-look leadership group for the 2021 season, with veteran Jack Ziebell set to lead the Kangaroos once again.

Ziebell will be joined by defender Robbie Tarrant, midfielders Jy Simpkin and Ben Cunnington while also welcoming best and fairest winner Luke McDonald and utility Kayne Turner to the group.

Speaking to AFL.com.auZiebell expressed his delight in leading the shinboners once again.

"You never take a role like this lightly and I’ve been fortunate over the last few years to have some great support around me," Ziebell said.

"With the group they’ve put together this year, I couldn’t be more confident in everyone’s skills and to welcome ‘Lukey’ [McDonald] and ‘Kayno’ [Turner] into the group for the first time.

"Luke obviously took eight years to get in the leadership group, but with a bit of growing up to be done in that time, he’s really matured into a fantastic AFL player. Obviously all the boys respect him and the way he goes about it.

"He sets the scene for us on the field, so it’s awesome he’s been rewarded with a role in the leadership group and I expect him to grow into that.

"We all know what Jy’s capable of, the last couple of years how much his games improved but the way he goes about it at training, the way he sets the example, but also these boys are incredible at building relationships with all the players."

The Kangaroos will face Hawthorn at Arden Street Oval on Saturday for their AAMI Community Series hitout before facing Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium in their Round 1 clash on Sunday, March 21.