I sat at Arden Street during the JLT series, awaiting the start of North Melbourne and Hawthorn. A short time before the opening bounce, my attention was drawn to the screen. So it began, our new membership campaign featuring captain Jack. It highlighted his career from junior football to taking over as captain of North Melbourne. Throughout, re-visiting the theme of what it is to be a shinboner, and if he has lived up to that title.
While North Melbourne have presented successful membership campaigns in the past, none of them moved me, or were as relatable as the one I had just watched. Once it hit the internet later in the week, I watched it a few times again. I actually felt a shiver through my spine - It is easily the best I have ever seen.
Within the North Melbourne Football Club, being named a 'shinboner' is up there with the highest of honours.
Translate the word Shinboner - it highlights ones loyalty and passion for the club, integrity and respect as a person and dedication, grit and hard work on the field.
With Jack Ziebell presenting this simple question to us, the simple answer is yes.
In 2015, prior to the beginning of the Syd Barker Medal, the re-signing of Sam Wright and Jack Ziebell was announced. Wright with a two year contract extension (keeping him at North until the end of 2018) but Ziebell was the talking point. There were already whispers that he would take over as captain in the coming years, and then a five year deal pretty much locked that in place. A Roo until the end of 2021, a Roo for life. In a time where football loyalty is hard to come by, this was outstanding news.
But for now, back to the campaign. It is brilliant and through Jack's growth as a footballer it genuinely captures what it is to be a Shinboner.
I felt the need to blog this, to draw attention to the new era we are about to enter. Once again, there has been a yearly prediction that North will slide, however it's time to toughen up and prove the doubters wrong.
Find your shinboner spirit, and get ready for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
