David Zaharakis can still remember attending a Mosquito Fleet Clinic at Windy Hill as a kid, proudly wearing his Essendon jumper with James Hird's No.5 stitched on the back and waiting in line to get autographs from his football heroes.

“I remember going to a Mosquito fleet clinic at Windy Hill when I was younger and meeting my idol Matthew Lloyd,” he said.

“It was such a highlight for me as a kid actually meeting the players, I’ll always remember getting Lloydy’s signature and a photo with him.""

Yesterday Zaharakis was still coming to terms with the fact he is now signing autographs for the young Bomber fans as he helped run the clinics for the Essendon faithful.
 
“It’s pretty hard to grasp that kids want my signature and a photo with me. I never thought I’d be in this position,"" he said.

“I just hope all the kids today got as much out of the clinic as what I did when I was younger. I’m a good example I guess - you never know which kid today could be the next up and coming player for the Bombers.”

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More than 600 young Bomber fans made the most of the opportunity to get up close and personal with their favourite Essendon heroes at the second Mosquito Fleet Clinic of 2009.

Mosquito Fleet members had the opportunity to take part in skill drills with the playing list as well as enjoying a tour of the auditorium, gym and Hall of Fame. The activities concluded with an autograph session with all the players.

Essendon Football Club’s major sponsor, Samsung, provided seven MP3 players to the outstanding participants in the clinic and a Mosquito Fleet back pack and show bag to all participants.

A big thank you also goes out to Market Fresh who fuelled the kids on the day by supplying them with fresh fruit.