David Zaharakis

Recruited from the Northern Knights with pick 23 in the 2008 National Draft, David Zaharakis grew up a passionate Essendon supporter and quickly lived out a childhood dream in his debut season. While he developed into a classy outside midfielder known for his running capacity and goal sense, his career was inextricably linked to his fourth game, where he kicked the match-winning goal in the dying seconds of the 2009 ANZAC Day clash against Collingwood. That moment of composure foreshadowed a career where he often performed well on the big stage, evidenced by his Crichton Medal win in 2011 and an ANZAC Day Medal in 2013.

Zaharakis occupied a unique position during the club's supplements saga, as he was one of the few senior players available to play in 2016 having not participated in the program. He provided crucial leadership and stability during that tumultuous period, acting as a bridge between generations for the Bombers. Although soft tissue injuries and a natural loss of pace hindered his output in his final seasons, seeing him shift to a half-forward role, he remained a loyal servant to the club until his delisting at the conclusion of the 2021 season. He departed as a life member and a key figure of resilience during one of Essendon's most difficult eras.