Northern Football League

Former Eltham Junior player, David Zaharakis has been named the AFL's NAB Rising Star for Round 2 after an impressive debut for Essendon against Fremantle last weekend.

Zaharakis gathered 21 possessions, 7 inside-50s and 10 marks in a classy display that put the exclamation mark on a dominant 38 point victory to the Bombers.

Zaharakis made a smooth progression into the big time after being promoted from the Bendigo Bombers after only one game when fellow draftee, and former Macleod player, Michael Hurley, injured his quad during training. That one game for Bendigo yielded Zaharakis 33 disposals and seven goals, a performance that could not be denied. 

After initially taking in the situation of being in an AFL game, Zaharakis settled well and eased his nerves with a couple of early touches. 

"As soon as I ran out onto the ground I stood in the middle and just looked around into the stands for a bit, but as soon as the game started I had to concentrate. I was just thinking wow, this is actually happening, this is a dream come true," he said.

"Waking up Sunday morning I was really nervous and excited. Once I got out onto the ground I felt pretty comfortable especially after I got those first two kicks. The boys during the week said to just try and get an early touch in the game, so when I got that I felt pretty comfortable."

The former Northern Knights captain and Number 23 draft selection, said the nomination was unexpected and he was just thrilled to have got through his first AFL game.

"It was nothing I expected, just to go out there and get a game in Round 2 was great, I didn't even think about getting the Rising Star (nomination). It's a pretty good feeling right now," he said.

"I didn't get any sleep Sunday night, I was re-living the game in my head, it was awesome to be out there and playing with Essendon, the team I've barracked for my whole life. I just still keep replaying the game over and over, probably like a hundred times now."

Essendon coach, Matthew Knights, was delighted witht the overall game of Zaharakis, especially the burst of energy he injected.

"From a whole package point of view we were pleased because not only did he win the ball but his disposal and decision making was really good for a young player," Knights said.

"He also chased, tackled and harrassed - he put as much energy into this part of his game as any other part.

"As a match committee we loved that he brings a real energy and enthusiasm to his game and that is infectious on the team."

Zaharakis was one of three Eltham Juniors who made their way on to an AFL list at the end of last year, with Michael Still also taken by Essendon with pick 55, and Luke Stanton selected by Carlton in the Rookie Draft.