David Zaharakis is set to play his 150th game for Essendon today when the Bombers take on the Blues.
Zaharakis attended Marcellin College and represented the Northern Knights in the TAC Cup.
As an 18 year old he was picked to play for Vic Metro and his performances in the National Carnival were rewarded with All-Australian selection.
In November, his name was called out by the team he grew up supporting. The Bombers selected Zaharakis with the 23rd overall pick.
The Bombers also picked up Tyson Slattery, Michael Hurley and Michael Still in that draft.
Zaharakis made his debut in round two of 2009 in the match against Fremantle.
The Bombers won by 38 points and Zaharakis picked up 21 possessions, earning a rishing star nomination.
Mark Harvey was coaching the Dockers that day, while Brent Stanton played his 100th game for the Club.
The match also marked the first win in red and black for Michael Quinn, Tayte Pears, Hayden Skipworth and Darcy Daniher.
Just a few weeks later, Zaharakis was again in the headlines when he booted the match winning goal against Collingwood on Anzac Day.
The Bombers trailed by 14 points at the 24 minute mark of the game.
The Dons rallied and with rain falling, the ball landed in Zaharakis' arms with seconds remaining.
He converted, despite heavy pressure, and the Bombers recorded a memorable win.
By his third season, Zaharakis had become one of the Bombers best players.
He booted 31 goals and averaged 21 possessions per game in 2011 on his way to winning the Crichton medal.
In 2013, Zaharakis again showed his class on Anzac Day as he picked up 34 disposals and kicked four goals.
He was awarded the ANZAC Day medal as the Bombers beat Collingwood by 46 points.
In 2016, despite missing some of his most experienced teammates, Zaharakis made a blistering start to the season averaging more than 31 possessions per game across the first seven rounds.
He went on to finish fifth in the Crichton Medal.
In the first two rounds of 2017, Zaharakis is averaging 19 possessions and has booted three goals.
