#11 David Zaharakis - Surviving half-Ironmans

Does zaka ever start in the back 6, or is he just ending up in defence as he defends his wing opponent?

Often in the 50

Congrats David on 200 games.
You have shown glimpses of brilliance, and times of great application and intensity.
You have also displayed softness and what has appeared as just going through the motions and getting your paycheck at times.

Essentially over those 200 games you represent exactly how this club has both given us moments of true hope of success.
And moments of frustration and let downs.

Congrats nonetheless,I expect you to play a standout game tomorrow night,as you have always had the talent to do so on a more consistent basis,but have really not been part of a culture that demands your best at all times

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He’s been extremely disappointing this year but I haven’t been against his move to the backline.

He is still one of our better users of the ball

Nice passive aggressive post. I’m sure David would appreciate it.

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Lol,yeah it was wasnt it.

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Congrats for those few times you made us clap and not congrats for the others. :joy:

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While i’m here, his tackle on Ryan was one of the highlights of the game. Clearly holding the ball and not paid but man he went hard.

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I agree. Need to see more of this however.

It only seems to come out when he’s under the pump.

Plenty of these efforts verse Melbourne as he was being criticised all week.

Well done on a very good career so far. 200 AFL games is a wonderful achievement. Under 18 All Aus, EFC B&F, absolutely committed to fitness and presenting ready to play. Never ever let the club down on or off the field over a decade. All players have deficiencies and I have no trouble overlooking his and appreciating what he brings and has contributed. Very similar to Stants in a lot of ways and I’m rapt he’s a bomber.

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When a senior player is moved to the backline its very often a sign that their career is at the crossroads. In this case, we have large numbers of specialist medium defenders, like Marty Gleeson, Ridley, McNiece, Dea and even Francis playing in the VFL and he is holding them out of the side.

At 29, he should not be in this position. Its not like he has played as an inside mid for 12 years and is beat up. The only other reason I can propose that he has been moved down back is because he is sore or impeded in his running capability by some chronic injury. Remember how Licka was moved down back in 2014 ? He was playing really well as a forward, but his body could not take it.

So am I,knew my post would get a rise.

Sorry David,I’m just frustrated brother. I’ll eat a Souva today to make it up to you.

Oppa!!!

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Personally I would have thought if he isn’t playing as a mid he would/should be playing across Half Forward rather than Half Back
Accountability has never been a strength but he does know how to run and loves a look at the big sticks
Generally a reasonable kick for goals too

Yes agree. But down on the forward line its a tough gig for players. Older players are sometimes sent down back when their body is suspect. Unless. They are trying to give him a crash course in playing defensive footy ?

Some people will complain about this interview but i thought it was good. Doesn’t avoid questions and gives pretty honest sounding answers.

It’s a pity that he’ll be mostly remembered for an event that occurred only a couple of games into his career - that Anzac day winning goal.
A career high after 3 games!

Career Highlight for me is winning the Crichton.
then probably the Anzac day heroics, he has also kicked match winning goals in other matches too.

Like Jobe/Stanton it now seems Heppell/Hooker/Hurley/Myers/Zaharakis/Bellchambers will have careers filled with very little finals success.

Hopefully we have better luck next year.

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Slotting that winner against FC for Hirdy’s last game pre-suspension was another highlight…

Should have also had the dying winner against Melbourne if we hadn’t been stupid and just killed the ball over the boundary with 10 or so seconds remaining…

Almost looks exactly the same in that draft photo as today.

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