Retired #11: David Zaharakis - Survivin'

[Beerfish]

Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent 2021
Last Game Played: Round 19, 2021 (omit)
Injury Status: n/a

 

[Kyptastic]

Club confirmed he won’t be offered a contract

 

[Falcon27]

Right call, game had gone well past him.

Great clubman. All the best Zaka

 

[eth-dog]

Cheers for your service Zaka. Good luck if you get another contract

 

[bennyg12]

Well done at his best he was very good

 

[DERO]

Out to stud.

 

[Vander18]

Good player…..will remember him as a clutch goal kicker. A beloved teammate and much respected internally - that matters.

Thanks for everything Zaka and congrats on a fine career.

 

[Dave]

Thank for everything Zaka, especially this:

 

[Kakkle]

Had some incredible moments. Won't get thanked enough for what he did in 2016. I'll remember him fondly for that month in 2014 when Watson went out, and he absolutely dominated. That game against Melbourne

 

[kelvin_sheedy]

Another great call by the club. Game had gone past him a few years back and he's just been hanging in.

Was a very good player in his prime and gave us eternal moments

 

[Lore]

For posterity; https://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/1011764/boyhood-bomber-bids-farewell

Feels like the end of an era... will be very strange to see him in different colours.

“I lived out my boyhood dream to play for the Essendon Football Club, and for that I will always be incredibly grateful. It’s been a honour to be part of this club,” Zaharakis said.

“I leave the club knowing I gave it my all, and hopefully I brought some joy to our members and supporters along the way - they’ve stuck fat with the club and we’re a better place for it.

“I just want to thank everyone who has been part of my journey at Essendon. It’s been a surreal ride but one I will forever look back on so fondly.

“We had really transparent discussions with the club in recent months, and now I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds. I’m hopeful to continue my AFL career elsewhere as I still feel I have a lot to offer.

“I truly wish this playing group and coaches all the very best for the coming years. There’s no doubt the future looks bright for the Bombers.”

 

[Shane Heard]

Immortal Bomber

 

[JT_the_Man]

Love you Zaka.

All the best if you can secure a new contract.

 

[BrunoV]

Had some incredible moments. Won't get thanked enough for what he did in 2016. I'll remember him fondly for that month in 2014 when Watson went out, and he absolutely dominated. That game against Melbourne

Yep. Played some very big games but never cracked it with the fans. His 2011 was pretty special from a 3rd year half forward.

Shaped as an A grader in 2013 and 2014 but it didn't click.

Never a powerful player he seemed to lose something physically and just never found a role that suited him.

I'm surprised that he couldn't force his way back in at half forward from 2018 but I suppose injury ruined that.

 

[Bunk Moreland]

Has been a bit of a whipping boy for a couple of years now of course but you don’t play 220 AFL games without doing a whole hell of a lot right.

Also a B&F winner so it shouldn’t be forgotten how good he was at his peak.

Always thought he should’ve been captain in 2016, thought it was a good opportunity to see if somebody could grow into it. Nonetheless he was very good for us that year.

 

[ghostdog]

Thanks for your service, Zaka. Your personal integrity is gold. All the best.

 

[brutus76]

Thanks Zaka but like BJ the right call.

Hope someone takes you on or Channel 7 offers a spot.

ZAHARAKIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Seb78]

Thanks Zacka

 

[sacka]

A bloke that will never be forgotten, mainly cause that Anzac Day goal will forever be replayed till the end of time lol. That goal was also the reason there's is a fist size indentation in the ceiling of the house I not long ago sold, good times.
Good luck in the future.

 

[Highly Evolved]

Thanks for everything Zacka. A Club champion.

You've left us with many good memories and I can't help but feel you've been underrated by the fan base over the journey.

 

[ant555]

Been a great player for us and I was one who was not a fan when we drafted him. I was wrong. He had a great career.

 

[DapperDon]

Right decision. A very solid career he should be proud of.

Will always be an Essendon legend for that one special moment.

 

[Schnitzengruben]

Thanks for your service Zaka.

 

[Albertross]

Forged a decent AFL career with over 200 games played. Never a champion but a solid player at his best. A true Essendon man through and through.

Thanks for your service Zaka, hope someone else picks you up.

 

[Zach Package]

Hell of a player and a hell of a highlight reel. More clutch moments than you can poke a stick at.

Flying at half mast tonight

 

[Vindicater]

Been a pleasure watching you at your best Zaka!