Ziebell hosed down rumours he would take the top job in 2016, saying captain Andrew Swallow had been doing a fantastic job leading the team.

Star midfielder Wells played just two AFL games in 2015 after he injured his Achilles in round two against Brisbane.

His recovery took longer than expected and he did not play again until round 20 in the VFL, then hurt his calf in round 22.

There was year-long speculation about when Wells would make his return.

When asked on RSN Breakfast whether Wells would finally be ready to play for North Melbourne in 2016, Ziebell indicated the signs were positive, saying the 30-year-old had dropped between four and six kilograms recently.

"He's come back in outstanding shape, which is great to see," Ziebell said. "We can't wait to have him back."

Ziebell said he would love to captain North Melbourne one day, but he praised Swallow's work in that position.

"If it did come my way it would be an outstanding honour, but at the same time I'm not sort of seeking it out or anything like that," he said.

Ziebell also provided an update on North Melbourne tall Majak Daw, who was recently found not guilty of sexual assault charges.

The vice-captain said if Daw could put a stop to his mid-game lapses in concentration he could become a regular in the side.

"He's obviously been through a really tough time over the past couple of months, we're just pumped to get him back at the club and and doing what he loves doing, which is playing footy," he said.

Ziebell said North's 25-point preliminary final loss to West Coast was still a sore point.

The Roos were leading by 20 points at quarter-time, but the Eagles managed to storm past them to make the grand final.

"It's still a little bit sour," Ziebell said.

"The taste in your mouth sort of lingers, finishing the season on such a poor not especially because we were in such a good position throughout that game."