David Zaharakis

David Zaharakis (born 21 February 1990) is a professional Australian rules footballer, currently playing for the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL), who is of Greek heritage.

Early life

Zaharakis attended Our Lady Help of Christians, finishing Year 12 in 2008 at Marcellin College, where he also won the Terrence Cleary Memorial Sporting Award for sportsmanship and sporting excellence. He played for the Northern Knights in the TAC Cup and junior football for Eltham Panthers in the Northern Football League. He was named in the under-18 All-Australian team, playing for Vic Metro.

AFL career

Zaharakis was drafted by Essendon with pick 23 in the 2008 National Draft, whom he supported growing up. He was awarded the number 11 guernsey, which was previously worn by Damien Peverill. He made his debut against Fremantle in round 2, 2009, and earned the Rising Star nomination on debut. In round 5, against Collingwood, he kicked the match winning goal during the final seconds of the Anzac Day match to help the bombers win by five points.

During 2011, he was able to make the most of his opportunity in the midfield, with the ability to move forward and kick over 30 goals for the season, resulting in winning the W.S. Crichton Medal.

In round 5, 2013, he won the Anzac Day Medal where he recorded 34-disposals and kicked four goals. It was revealed by his manager during 2013 that he did not take any part in Essendon's 2012 controversial sport science program that has since put the club under scrutiny by the AFL and ASADA (Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority).

Statistics

Statistics are correct to the end of the 2016 season.