Bombers’ midfielder David Zaharakis has signed a new four-year contract with the Bombers which will keep him at the club till the end of season 2021.
On the eve of the Bombers’ return to finals football this weekend in an elimination final against the Swans, Zaharakis commented, “It’s fantastic to get the contract finalised on the eve of what will hopefully be a very exciting finals series for us. We’ve been starved of finals success for such a long time, so it’s time for action and we hope all the hard work, effort and commitment we’ve put in this year pays off over the coming weeks.”
Drafted to the club in 2008, the lifelong Essendon supporter has clocked up 169 senior games and has enjoyed one of his most consistent seasons in 2017. Bombers fans will no doubt be pleased that Zahjarakis has chosen to recommit to the Dons rather than opting to become a free agent.
“Essendon has been such a significant part of my life for a long time. I grew up barracking for the Bombers and over the past nine years, I’ve been able to live my childhood dream. We have such a proud history of success and it’s our job as players to ensure that tradition continues.”
The 27-year-old Zaharakis is expected to play a key leadership role at the club. Senior coach John Worsfold told Essendonfc.com.au that Zaharakis sets a great example to his teammates.
“David’s preparation is elite, so it’s no surprise he’s been such a consistent performer over a long period of time. Last year he carried a significant workload in the midfield and played an important leadership role not only supporting Brendon Goddard, but also mentoring his younger teammates. He’s had a slightly different role this year which he’s adapted to really well. His running power and skill level makes him a central part of our midfield group for not only this season, but pleasingly the next four years as well.”