[1] Ziebell represented Vic Country at the 2008 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships and gained All-Australian Honours after averaging 17 disposals per match.

He produced consistently impressive performances over the first two months and was rewarded with the Round 7 NAB Rising Star nomination for his 23 disposal and 1 goal game against Port Adelaide.

North Melbourne coach, Danielle Laidley, singled him out in the post-match press conference and declared him a "leader" and a "superstar [in the making]".

[6] However, due to the injury restricting him from playing, Ziebell has retained eligibility for the Rising Star award in 2010, again making him one of the early favourites.

[7] Late in the 2011 season, Ziebell was suspended for three matches for rough conduct on St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt.