David Zaharakis has had enough of watching on from the grandstand and is ready to return to the Bombers line-up on Saturday against Richmond.

The midfielder took in last week’s match against St Kilda from the coaches’ box because of a one game suspension.

The 26 year old said he was proud of the way his teammates played, but disappointed he couldn’t help them secure the victory. 

“The boys put in a great performance on Sunday and it was quite positive but it was frustrating to not be out there and help the team get over the line in the last quarter,” Zaharakis told RSN radio.

“It was great to see the players play some good footy but it was frustrating watching it.

“I missed 6-7 games last year and just to miss one this year was hard enough.”

Zaharakis has been one of the Bombers best this season. 

He’s averaging career highs in disposals (26.1 per game), contested possessions (8.9 per game) and tackles (4.1 per game).

With his increased output has come increased attention from rivals.

The best and fairest winner has been ‘tagged’ regularly throughout the season and it was that extra attention that played a part in his suspension.

Zaharakis concedes the close checking by his Eagles opponent ‘frustrated’ him.

“It was very undisciplined at the time and doesn’t really help the team that I miss a week,” he said. 

“I haven’t really ever done anything like that, I’ve never been suspended for a week before in my career. 

“It was one of those moments where I was getting quite frustrated with the tag at the time and sort of let that get to my head and had a second of non-thinking. 

“As soon as I did it, you get that immediate guilt feeling.”

The Bombers will be coming off a six-day break when they return to the MCG this Saturday to take on Richmond. 

“Hopefully there is a big crowd showing their support – they’ve been great for us this year, there were great numbers against St Kilda on a Sunday at 4:40pm, so hopefully that is replicated this week,” Zaharakis said.