News

Key duo re-sign

Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Staff writers for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

Essendon Football Club is delighted to announce the re-signings of key midfield duo David Zaharakis and Travis Colyer.

Zaharakis has committed to a new three-year deal that will see him wearing the red and black until the end of the 2014 season, while Colyer has signed a two-year contract that will see him through to the end of the 2013 season.

General manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said he was thrilled to see a number of emerging players committing to the future of the football club.

"We feel both David and Travis will have a strong role to play in Essendon's next period of sustained success and we are obviously very pleased to have them commit to the club," Hamilton said.

"Both players have improved dramatically this season - including David winning his first Crichton medal in only his third season of football - and we feel they both can develop further over the next two years to establish themselves as integral members of the Essendon midfield."

Zaharakis, 21, was drafted to Essendon via selection 23 in the 2008 AFL National Draft. He has played 53 games and kicked 57 goals.

Colyer, 20, has played 21 games and kicked 14 goals since being drafted to the Bombers via selection 26 in the 2009 AFL National Draft.

Become a project donor today at The Flight Plan - tracking Essendon's move from Windy Hill to Melbourne Airport.

PLAYER PROFILE: Travis Colyer
PLAYER PROFILE: David Zaharakis

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Lol I think you would be worried if you couldnt resign the Crichton Medal Winner. Keep drafting essendon supporters! Heppell and Zaharakis

- Gerard Smith (posted 10/10/2011 2:07:19 PM)

Excellent news, Zaharakis and Colyer are both versatile players that have a great future at the club. We have a strong foundation, hopefully we can fill in the last of the potholes with players we recruit from the upcoming draft.

- Peter Gassner (posted 10/10/2011 2:19:55 PM)

Zaka, Heppell, Hurley Future leaders of our club.

- Marc Collis (posted 10/10/2011 2:37:08 PM)

I would be a lot more relieved if Hurleys name was with them, the resigning of our young blokes is essential to our success, but next year is the final year of Hurleys contract, so we need to get him locked in, the others will surely follow.

- Max Rodwell (posted 10/10/2011 2:40:15 PM)

Obviously a great deal of supporter concern regarding the signing of Hurley, but this is super news. Our B&F and our Super Sub both re-signing. Shows we are pro-active and the Hurley signature will arrive in due course.

- Wesley Hull (posted 10/10/2011 2:47:03 PM)

GUNS. Great work EFC. GO YOU MIGHTY BOMBERS!

- Bill Murray (posted 10/10/2011 2:56:45 PM)

This is great news. Feel a bit sorry for Travis though. He has been so effective as our gun sub, that he may never play a full game of footy. lol.

- Josh Byrne (posted 10/10/2011 3:03:32 PM)

now sign hurley and i'll be a happy man , nice one boys glad to see you staying in the red&black

- Anthony Doyle (posted 10/10/2011 3:05:53 PM)

youd think kaz along with heppell will be at the club for life like bombers of old.... mercuri, smokin joe, fletch, hird and co. even those who left came back... fish and johnny barnes. bit worried about hurly though... he will be the target of gws from our club and we will have to bend over backwards to keep him at the end of next season

- Ian Welsh (posted 10/10/2011 3:07:38 PM)

good Boys that the way 2 go you boys mean a lot 2 this Club I Proud lets Bring on 2012 Bombers

- MARK JONES (posted 10/10/2011 3:07:44 PM)

On a side note. When are we getting Mark Harvey back? Bomber and Harvs should have been coaching this club since 2004 but we let Sheeds outstay his use-by-date. Hopefully that is a bridge that wasn't burnt.

- Josh Byrne (posted 10/10/2011 3:09:27 PM)

C'mon Hurley commit like we have !!!

- daniel stubbs (posted 10/10/2011 3:10:33 PM)

Yea i like zaka he has really good character as well, we need more players like him. Hurley, heppel, zaka, carlisle, Pears,watson, hocking, ryder are the future. We must get an a grade midfielder... I dont care what pelchen says if we make the right deal i reckon we can get a goddard / dal santo type. Time for the club to take a risk!:)

- Alan Pratt (posted 10/10/2011 3:28:11 PM)

We need a "visy" contract for Hurls. Anyone have a spare million or two?

- Kevin Jackson (posted 10/10/2011 3:43:01 PM)

Excellent news, they could have made more money in the land of the Giants, but they would rather stay with us.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 10/10/2011 3:52:50 PM)

So, just Dyson, NLM and Lonergan yet to re-sign.

- Geoff Cliff (posted 10/10/2011 4:15:01 PM)

comment to josh Byrne we never mate Hirdy all ready Picked his coaches and Havey all ready Had his time at Essendon in with new out with the Old

- MARK JONES (posted 10/10/2011 4:17:39 PM)

when is the Magazine coming out

- MARK JONES (posted 10/10/2011 4:18:26 PM)

Hi Mark - the magazine will be out in late November

- Essendon Insider Temp (posted 10/10/2011 4:35:59 PM)

thank you

- MARK JONES (posted 10/10/2011 4:38:24 PM)

Great work EFC. Need to sign Hurls on a long term deal now

- Aaron Camilleri (posted 10/10/2011 4:40:06 PM)

New fixture could be coming out at the end of October hope we play GWS at Es

- MARK JONES (posted 10/10/2011 4:41:17 PM)

GREAT NEWS. We needed to keep these 2 as well as Hurley. How long will it be before Hurley commits to the Club.. We need an A grader midfielder to replace Welshy so good luck in your search.

- Lyn Robeson (posted 10/10/2011 4:57:05 PM)

2 more locked away, i like it.Great work.

- Trevor Howe (posted 10/10/2011 5:16:16 PM)

Hurley next PLEASE!!

- Den Wang (posted 10/10/2011 5:28:50 PM)

I'll be just as happy on the day Hurls signs a contract extension, as I was when Hirdy was named our coach! C'mon Hurls, make our season!

- Nicole Watson (posted 10/10/2011 5:52:37 PM)

If Hurleys as much a bomber player as we all think and wish him to be, he won't bite when GWS hang their bate in front of him. So let's all hope thats the case.

- Adriano Soldaini (posted 10/10/2011 6:26:52 PM)

Colly could be a boomer Harvey if he keeps at it and really hits the weights, love the way he plays. I think our midfield gets undersold. With Demps and Winders coming back and a full year out of Lonergan we will improve dramatically. Along with the younger guys natural development we have plenty to be happy with. Heard a rumour we were having a dip at Goddard, is this true?

- Nathan O''Brien (posted 10/10/2011 6:45:38 PM)

HAVE I MISSED SOMETHING IS HURLEY OUT OF CONTRACT? IF SO GET HIM SIGNED UP, IMMEDIATELY. GREAT TO GET THE 2 BOYS SIGNED UP. ANNE. BRIAR HILL.

- anne aa (posted 10/10/2011 7:17:49 PM)

everyone saying we need gun midfielder ,dont forget people...............SAM LONERGAN good pre season into him & PRIS after his knee comes good put them in with Jobe, howie, hocking, Zaka, gus, hep at times it's lookin good -think how long it takes to get 4 good middies( pies, blues 4-5 years) keep they faith, maybe a mature a player as well

- Dyanne Cox (posted 10/10/2011 7:34:00 PM)

Is that true, NLM and Lonergan not signed ? EI ?

- daniel stubbs (posted 10/10/2011 8:01:10 PM)

send h.slattery and r.dyson to gws for a couple of young kids do a deal with sheeds get rid of them get good midfeilders from gws

- PETER theodosiou (posted 10/10/2011 9:01:27 PM)

Fantastic! I want, with all my heart for Zaka to be a 300 game, 1 club player. He will be our Judd sometime this guy. Go Zaka!

- Leigh Farrugia (posted 10/10/2011 9:16:40 PM)

Excellent news, both supremely exciting prospects for the future. As has been mentioned numerous times, we really need a smattering of real gun mids to go in with our developing ones and we'll be set to have a real crack at September, and forget these embarrassing exits of recent times.

- Duncan Eastey (posted 10/10/2011 9:22:03 PM)

Congrats to Zakka and Travis on your re-signing with the Club we can look forward to a great year in 2012. Was a great win in the Crichton Medal for Zakka, congratulations.

- Joan Hartley (posted 10/10/2011 9:58:09 PM)

Congratulations Boys, you are both magnificent players.All the very best for your future at the Mighty Bombers Football Club.

- maxwell hart (posted 10/10/2011 10:02:29 PM)

Nice work EFC. Keep on keeping on and sign up all these future stars of our mighty club

- Alan De Menezes (posted 10/10/2011 10:31:07 PM)

EFC need to make a play for Jaeger O'Meara. The wraps on his kid are real and comparisons of a fusion of CJudd and SBlack are understandable when you actually see this kid play in the flesh. GWS may consider the enigmatic Reimers and reliable Hooker as a viable proposition, both may find oportunities rare EFC in the future. Hate to miss the next Hird/Judd.

- Brett Juka (posted 10/10/2011 11:49:16 PM)

I am sick of everyone saying we have no midfield. Watson is one of the best clearence players in the AFL, Hocking is one of the best shutdown players. We now have the best young talent in Heppell to go into the midfield in a year or so and Zacka, Melksham, Windy and Colyer are as quick as lightening. Throw in Stanton, Lonegan and Howlett and i think we are doing just fine. Carlton have the best midfield at the moment and they are miles away from a flag.

- Brock Wright (posted 11/10/2011 12:19:54 AM)

SUPER TRADE- Lion Clark to Freo with GWS pick#49 - Freo send Griffen to Power, plus Crowley and pick#16 to GWS. Eagle Ebert to Power - Powers pick#6, Cornes & Brogan to GWS. Essendon send Hooker & Reimers to GWS and recieve U/17 OMeara and pick#16 in return. GWS allocate U/17 Garlett and pick#14 to WCE, and complete the trading with pick#6 to Lions. All happy (well maybe not Hooker & Reimers)

- Brett Juka (posted 11/10/2011 12:42:54 AM)

The only chance we have of losing Hurley at the end of 2012 is if Pendlebury reneges on his deal to join the Giants for 2013. Go Pendles Go...haha

- Brett Juka (posted 11/10/2011 12:47:45 AM)

great news . trade RICKY DYSON TO CARLTON FOR JORDAN RUSSELL AND TRADE ALWYN DAVEY TO RICHMOND FOR DAN CONNORS HIS A STAR

- jordan jordan (posted 11/10/2011 2:38:35 AM)

keep signing them up, they know we're gonna be a force real soon, they also would be well gutted if they're not part of it.

- Terry Collins (posted 11/10/2011 6:34:20 AM)

In the past few years our recruiters have netted Michael Hurley, David Zaharakis, Tayte Pears, Jake Melksham, Jake Carlisle, Travis Colyer and Dyson Heppell. Getting your draft picks right is far better than having high picks. Our recruiters are doing a stirling job. Keep up the good work gents.

- Doug Somerville (posted 11/10/2011 8:12:24 AM)

Congratulations David! What a magnificent achievement so early in your AFL career. It could not have happened to a nicer person. And so fantastic to have you show your commitment to the Club by signing a new contract! Yippee. Travis, deliriously happy with this news! Looking forward to seeing more magnificent and freakish goals from you. :) Angie x

- Angeline Baron (posted 11/10/2011 8:34:26 AM)

Sign Hurley!!!

- Andrew Charlton (posted 11/10/2011 9:25:55 AM)

good news. I love to see these two players on the field. enthusiasm & skill is great to watch, can only improve.

- Gail Taylor (posted 11/10/2011 9:49:32 AM)

Good stuff love these two guys. Hurley needs to be locked in. If we lose him I will lose all faith in essendon management.

- Toryn Kasa (posted 11/10/2011 11:24:35 AM)

EI is there any news on the signing of Hurls? He is an absolute star in the making and it would be travisty if we let him go...

- Aaron Salmon (posted 11/10/2011 11:58:29 AM)

Sorry Aaron, nothing to report as of yet

- Essendon Insider Temp (posted 11/10/2011 12:04:25 PM)

Face reality, Brett. The only way we will get a go at O'Meara is to offer Sheeds Jobe, Hurley and Hepps

- alec shiffman (posted 11/10/2011 12:44:04 PM)

great news these two will be part of our core group for sustained success

- Rowan Gerecke (posted 11/10/2011 3:16:18 PM)

Hurley wont be going anywhere, me and my louisville slugger will see to that!!

- Rowan Gerecke (posted 11/10/2011 5:17:30 PM)

Obviously the media will report anything if there is actually nothing to report, but some interesting snippets (if they are true). Club talking to Gold Coast about Josh Caddy shows we are active, just very specific. Funnily enough, this article is about another potential inside mid and a pretty decent outside as well.

- Wesley Hull (posted 11/10/2011 5:34:46 PM)

How did the word 'key' and Colyer get in the same sentence.

- Sean Kennaway (posted 11/10/2011 6:29:33 PM)

I am stunned at suggestions to trade Hooker, the kid has been fantastic this year especially when we had no Pears or Fletch! He will stay and he will become a force down back. Would be filthy to loose Reimers as well. Maybe Dyson and Slattery for Brock McClean, he can play and cant get a run for the maggots. Our Strength will predominantly build from within.

- Nathan O''Brien (posted 11/10/2011 6:46:10 PM)

Is there any chance we could at least do one trade with another club in the next Ten Years?

- Mark Ashley (posted 11/10/2011 6:54:29 PM)

- Dave Davo (posted 11/10/2011 7:19:31 PM)

EI, In have heard rumours Essendon are in discussion with Richmond regarding a trade of Tom Bellchambers? Are these true?. My proposal is we trade Bellchambers and Hooker to Richmond (despite what hirdy said), and then we can pick up Dustin Martin. A perfect fast midfielder who can win us a flag.

- Jaden Frigo (posted 11/10/2011 7:23:55 PM)

Great news. Both players are travelling towards a very successful future. These signings, among others, will give us much joy. I thought Hurls HAD signed. If not, let's do it now.

- Joan Hill (posted 11/10/2011 9:41:48 PM)

Hurley is signed people. Let him enjoy himself,get over xmas. Then he will probably sit down with the club and sign. He didnt want to go to the GC,why would some think he would go to GWS. Ablett went to GC to join a young group of kids hoping they will be going places. Hurley has that all here. Bet my last dollar,he wont be going anywhere. Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 11/10/2011 11:47:42 PM)

Is the rumour of Dyson, Slatts, Hooker and Gumbleton on the trade table true ? Does anyone have a good source ? Hate not being kept in the loop.....

- daniel stubbs (posted 12/10/2011 9:36:49 AM)

I think not, Jordan. :) Angie

- Angeline Baron (posted 12/10/2011 9:39:30 AM)

all those 'supporters' suggesting up bomber players for trade need to wake up to themselves. first and foremost you have to give up onething to get something in return. if we want a gun player or top draft pick are we prepared to give up heppell? or hurley?? hmmm don't think so somehow...Marg.

- Margaret Dickson (posted 12/10/2011 11:29:55 AM)

Onya Boys!! Now give the rest of the coin to Hurley!!!!

- Chris Litchfield (posted 12/10/2011 12:13:05 PM)

Choca-block in the AFL 7-11! Man: "Got any Mundy?" Cashier: "No! And it's still Thursd'y!"

- Kris Bayne (posted 12/10/2011 1:19:53 PM)

Well thought out Brett, if only..!!!! every player is tradable if the right deal comes up....we desperately need 2 key defenders...

- Mark McLachlan (posted 12/10/2011 2:24:12 PM)

o'meara will be leaving gws.... and he wont cost a heppell to get him... he has to be traded... he will go to the GC id say. EIT. my question to you is if o'meara must be on traded. why are we not making a play

- Ian Welsh (posted 12/10/2011 2:53:39 PM)

eit are we going to make a serious play for o'meara he has to be ontraded... it is highly unlikly that gws can keep him. they know that they are just building the value "trying to get a deal done" theres no way this kid will cost a heppell on he's own let alone jobe and hurley as well... why are we not making some sort of a play for this kid.... we will probably chase an onballer in the draft and end up with back flakers and key forwads... but if we end up with another dys heppell as a backflanker again ill take that all day long

- Ian Welsh (posted 12/10/2011 2:58:05 PM)

also EIT seeing as we cant seem to keep gumby on the park... are we entertaining the thoughts of both Fev and maybe a return home to lovett seeing as we'd get them both for bottom dollar which would minimize the risk

- Ian Welsh (posted 12/10/2011 3:24:00 PM)

Sorry, I have no inside info on trade week for you. But I trust we're in good hands - certainly with far more footy knowledge than I! For now, you will all just have to sit, wait and speculate :-p

- Essendon Insider Temp (posted 12/10/2011 3:24:21 PM)

lol sorry for repeating my self it said my first msg didnt send

- Ian Welsh (posted 12/10/2011 3:27:22 PM)

Please tell me we are going to get involved in trade week this year. There are quite a few players on our list which WILL NOT be playing in our next Grand final/premiership side. Great news with the re-signings by the way.

- Robert C (posted 12/10/2011 3:28:23 PM)

lol all good thats half the fun

- Ian Welsh (posted 12/10/2011 3:29:26 PM)

Well done Zaka all throughout the 2011 season your dynamics and timming for the ball was spot on Congratulations for both you and Coyler for Resigning And fellow Bomber Fans do not worry Hurls will definatly Resign with our great club the Mighty Bombers

- Andrew Onoufriou (posted 13/10/2011 12:33:03 AM)

I really beleive M Hurley will be a one club person and that will be Essendon, Hope I am right, Our future for the next 10 years can be built around his ability.

- Bill Arthur (posted 13/10/2011 12:07:56 PM)

Great News, cant wait for 2012.

- Nick Tomaras (posted 16/10/2011 8:02:20 PM)

- Nicole Da Silva (posted 17/10/2011 5:24:50 PM)

Holding onto players will be more difficult in the future..... Times, they are a changing..... If a club gets 150 + games from a player, then there is not much more one can ask of a player..... Loyalty and being able to demonstrate to a player that this is the best club for him is the challenge that lies ahead....

- Victor Tallis (posted 19/10/2011 5:29:54 PM)