North Melbourne captain Jack Ziebell has decided to step down as captain after six years leading the Kangaroos.
On Tuesday the club confirmed Ziebell's 111-game reign as skipper would end ahead of the 2023 season, with the club to begin a process to name their next captain.
Succeeding Andrew Swallow ahead of the 2017 season, Ziebell stepped into the role after a strong opening eight seasons at Arden Street.
Notifying teammates of his decision, Ziebell said "the time has come" for a new leader to step up.
"It's been an absolute privilege to lead the North Melbourne Football Club for six seasons, a club that means so much to me and my family," Ziebell said, viaย North Media.ย
"The captaincy has been an unbelievably rewarding role, I feel lucky to have been given the opportunity and I'm a better person for the experience.
"Now that I've reached the later stages of my career the time has come for me to hand over the reins. I'll be there to support the next captain in any way I can and I have no doubt the incoming captain will lead our club with purpose and passion."
North Melbourne won't be short on options for the captaincy, with 2022 vice-captains Luke McDonald, and Jy Simpkin likely seen as the front-runners for the position.
Breakout midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke and key defender Ben McKay may also be considered for leadership roles.
The Kangaroos now join Collingwood, Geelong and Hawthorn in having captaincy vacancies ahead of the 2023 season.
