North Melbourne young gun Jack Ziebell has shown his faith in the direction the club is headed by re-signing until the end of 2013.
Taken at pick nine in the 2008 national draft, Ziebell last year played 10 games in his debut season and was among the early favourites for the Rising Star award until he broke his leg against Adelaide in Round 12, ending his season.
Ziebell, who turns 19 on Sunday when the Kangaroos take on the Dockers in the quarter-finals of the NAB Cup at Etihad Stadium, has been given the No.7 jumper worn by former skipper Adam Simpson and 1996 premiership player Dean Laidley and impressed last Sunday against the Cats.
With the club looking to improve in 2010 under new coach Brad Scott, with its young team to again be led by veteran midfielder Brent Harvey, Ziebell says he had no hesitation coming to terms to remain at Arden Street.
"There was really no question in my mind. North Melbourne is where I want to play my football," Ziebell told Kangaroos.com.au.
"The club has taken significant steps on and off the field and the group we have at the club is amazingly talented and I want us all to stick together because I believe we could be heading toward something pretty special in the near future."
"I don't have to think about it now and I can just get on with playing well for the club and our supporters."
Having averaged 15.5 possessions in 2009, with his best effort a 23-touch game against Port Adelaide in Round 7, Ziebell is again among the favourites for the Rising Star gong because he has played only 10 matches.
"It really shows that North Melbourne is heading in the right direction," North's list and strategy manager Cameron Joyce said of Ziebell's decision.
"Jack's commitment should resonate strongly among our young group and all our players should be delighted that he's chosen to extend his agreement."
"The future of this club was already looking bright but this latest development has just pushed it to the next level."