Essendon veteran David Zaharakis has not been offered a new deal by the Bombers.
The 31-year-old utility will depart the club after 226 games in the red sash that spanned across 13 seasons in the AFL.
Zaharakis made his Bombers debut in 2009 and would create the most memorable moment of his career in just his fourth match for Essendon, booting the winning goal against Collingwood on ANZAC Day later that season.
Two years later Zaharakis won his maiden and only best and fairest, and a further two years from then he would continue his storied career with ANZAC Day, taking home the best afield honours.
A key member and leader of Essendon through some of their darkest days, Zaharakis was a fan-favourite at Bomberland.
โI lived out my boyhood dream to play for the Essendon Football Club, and for that I will always be incredibly grateful. Itโs been a honour to be part of this club,โ Zaharakis said via the club's announcement.
โI leave the club knowing I gave it my all, and hopefully I brought some joy to our members and supporters along the way - theyโve stuck fat with the club and weโre a better place for it.
โI just want to thank everyone who has been part of my journey at Essendon. Itโs been a surreal ride but one I will forever look back on so fondly.ย
โWe had really transparent discussions with the club in recent months, and now Iโm looking forward to seeing what the future holds. Iโm hopeful to continue my AFL career elsewhere as I still feel I have a lot to offer.ย
โI truly wish this playing group and coaches all the very best for the coming years. Thereโs no doubt the future looks bright for the Bombers.โย
