David Zaharakis is set to play his 150^th game for Essendon and in doing so he’ll join an elite category reserved only for the Club’s most significant figures.

The midfielder made his debut as a 19 year old in 2009 and quickly endeared himself to the Bombers faithful with his match-winning goal on ANZAC Day.

A childhood fan, Zaharakis has graduated to a key member of the Dons on-ball brigade.

“I’ve been an Essendon supporter my whole life so to play 150 games for the Club I love and my family is passionate about … is an amazing feeling,” he said.

“150 gets you a Life Membership here so that’s a great thing and not something I expected as a young kid walking in the door.”

The 27-year-old said success in September remains his primary focus.

“I’ve only played in two finals while I’ve been here and we lost them both, so hopefully there is some success to come,” he said.

The Bombers will be looking for their third straight win when they meet Carlton on Sunday.

The Blues pushed Melbourne for most of last week’s match and Zaharakis expects a fierce midfield contest this weekend.

“It doesn’t matter where the teams are on the ladder when Essendon play Carlton, it’s always a great rivalry,” he said.

“They put in a good performance against Melbourne. Simon Goodwin has got Melbourne playing some great footy and Carlton took it up to them.

“They’ve got a great midfield with Cripps, Gibbs and Murphy in there … they’ve got some big bulls mixed with a bit of speed.

“It’ll be a great battle with our midfield – Jobe, Hep and Zach Merrett who is a star of the competition … it’ll be great battle inside.”