News

Zaharakis, Melksham gain taste of Japan

Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Staff writers for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

While the majority of players enjoy a well-earned break from pre-season training this week, Essendon duo David Zaharakis and Jake Melksham have been in Japan on an official tour with the club's longest standing commercial partner Yakult.

Representing the club, the pair have mixed business with pleasure, seeing Tokyo's famous sights and visiting the Yakult head office and the Yakult factory at Fuji Susono.

The Bombers’ emerging leaders have relished the opportunity to experience a foreign culture. Zaharakis said he felt honoured to be chosen to be a part of the trip.

"Japan has been a real eye opener and an amazing experience so far," Zaharakis said.

"The people in Japan are extremely friendly and we have been absolutely spoilt by the hospitality Yakult have shown us."

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The pair have visited Tokyo Tower, the Meji Shrine, the Ginza night lights and a local rugby match involving the Yakult Levins.

Melksham said the entire trip had provided a great opportunity to travel and learn more about another way of life.

"The different language and culture is incredible and I'm extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to be in Japan," Melksham said.

"It was also my first ever rugby match and it was pretty hard hitting and fast paced that's for sure."

Yakult Australia Managing Director Kenji Ono said it was fantastic to have representatives from Essendon in Japan.

"We are delighted to introduce Jake and David to Yakult to gain a better understanding of our corporate philosophy," Ono said.

"We look forward to introducing more players to Yakult as our partnership endures into the future."

After meeting Yakult Deputy President and Executive Officer Mr Yoshimiro Kawabata, the players were shocked to receive a standing ovation from the International Business Department on the ninth floor of the Yakult head office as they toured the building.

"That's the amazing part about the Japanese culture, they are very warm and welcoming people and although it was a little embarrassing, it was a great thrill to be welcomed like that," Zaharakis said.

The players have been filming their travels for a special documentary series which will feature on The Bomber Show in 2012.

Click here to view some behind the scenes photos of their trip.

PLAYER PROFILE: Jake Melksham
PLAYER PROFILE: David Zaharakis

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"BOMBERS TOLD TO 'WORK, NOT PLAY', Friday, 21 October 2011" Back into official pre season training for about 3 weeks after nearly 2 months off on leave and get a "well earned break" and the xmas "break" only a few weeks away.. common sense isn't very common any more

- Mark McLachlan (posted 22/11/2011 11:33:55 AM)

If only Kris was in the know about the trip.... would have been nice to have the Bomber Baynes' in the pic... probably a working day/school anyway Kris ? Cheers :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 22/11/2011 11:48:58 AM)

HEY, why didn't you tell me you were coming over!!? For those who may not recognise the location, they are standing at the massive intersection (there are roads under all those people) in front of the JR station 'Hachiko' Exit at Shibuya, 'Gal' Capital of the World, and I bet they were cold! Would have loved to take you blokes to some spots off the tourist map. Next time!

- Kris Bayne (posted 22/11/2011 11:58:22 AM)

The caption should read .... Jake Melksham and David Zaharakis explore Japan with the help of Adobe Photoshop.

- Luke Smith (posted 22/11/2011 11:59:45 AM)

Enough of sarcastic comments,the club knows best.I appreciate this forum can give everyone the opportunity to their thought,but........it is a bit early and harsh to have a go to some club decisions.

- Rick Pograri (posted 22/11/2011 12:00:48 PM)

Relax Mark, it's part business trip and the boys are representing the club! Excellent leadership qualities from both boys, and they'll be future superstars in years to come!

- Luke Ferguson (posted 22/11/2011 12:17:25 PM)

- Kris Bayne (posted 22/11/2011 12:31:25 PM)

Been to Japan, wonderful place. A great experience for the lads. I'm sure the club knows what they're doing in terms of a training program, and these boys are professional enough to stick to it.

- Matt Pocock (posted 22/11/2011 12:36:04 PM)

Tell you what Mark McL, if the boys used all the stairs in all the stations they went to, they would have been gasping for air and have legs like tree trunks. And if you want training in getting through the midfield and running the lines, look no further than that intersection in the photo. Bet I could beat them across it, though!

- Kris Bayne (posted 22/11/2011 12:36:49 PM)

Actually, Luke S, it does look a bit suss now that you mention it... it is kind of near Meiji Shrine, though.

- Kris Bayne (posted 22/11/2011 12:38:58 PM)

I agree Luke F. Future leaders of our club. Some clubs could not put that sort of faith in they're boys. Could we send Fev and Hibbo together? Good choice - as it was when Dods drafted them!

- Brad Scarr (posted 22/11/2011 12:41:36 PM)

ease up Mark it's just a bit of fun with an opportunity to learn a thing or two! that cant be too bad can it? I am sure the boys will be cherry ripe come round 1. I'd love a free trip to Japan if anyone is offering?

- Rowan Gerecke (posted 22/11/2011 12:57:22 PM)

Why bother..!!!

- Mark McLachlan (posted 22/11/2011 1:26:55 PM)

Well enjoy your tour. looking forward to seeing you guys back. Both future superstars!

- Rolf Buchner (posted 22/11/2011 3:15:30 PM)

Hope they read Basho's "Narrow Road to the Deep North" (奥の細道 Oku no Hosomichi). That was one of my first inspirations to follow AFL as I thought it was about a journey through eternity to an away game at Arden St.

- Thomas Faunce (posted 22/11/2011 7:19:16 PM)

I am not against what they are doing, it's when, they had 2 months leave, it's a break after 3 weeks of training, ok, settle for mediocracy, be happy to watch the top clubs, make that nearly every club make our guys look slow and unfit like this year, wish they put as much effort into on field performance as is being put into off field

- Mark McLachlan (posted 22/11/2011 7:39:53 PM)

Great innovation by the club to send two of their young guns as ambassadors to the Land of the Rising Sun. It seems Jake Melksham experienced local innovation when a mother attempted to drag him off to meet her daughter. Hope Jake has a good sense of humour. Guessing Zaka was amused by the unexpected custom.

- Martin Gol (posted 22/11/2011 8:56:55 PM)

Jake son and David son. Haro!

- Steven Boyle (posted 22/11/2011 9:09:33 PM)

Wouldn't have eventuated without some "say so" from the Coaches and Dean Robbo's conditioning crew Mark,and only two players,not the full list... Like MK used to get blamed for everything that darkened "our" Bomber Skies, incl all the local cats having kittens,if anything goes amiss with the two abovementioned lads,even giving away a free in 2012,"we'll" blame it on the "seek out Kris" trip.. is that a deal..!? There... I've had my "daily" laugh now :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 22/11/2011 10:56:01 PM)

Mark, you have become a very negative person since we have replaced the worst coach in AFL/VFL history??? Have some faith in our current coaching department mate??? They know what they are doing buddy!!! Just hope the boys don't catch what ever Baynie caught in the "AIR" over there!!!! lol

- Ray Brough (posted 23/11/2011 9:29:39 AM)

Ray, what a dumb comment. MK did better in his first three at EFC years than Bomber did in his first three years at Geelong! He took us to the finals for the first time in years and groomed the talented young bunch we now have at the club.

- Luke Smith (posted 23/11/2011 11:02:25 AM)

Mate,Buddy, Mark I did'nt know you were so close to Raybie

- Bill Carbis (posted 23/11/2011 11:54:59 AM)

Luke, I might make some "DUMB" comments mate but you make "DUMBER" ones??? Bomber started from scratch with his list when he first went to the Cats?? Knightmare inherited some pretty good senior players when he took over from Sheeds in 2007, Lloyd, Lucus ect, So stupid comment from you mate, you have to compare Apples with Apples???? Lets see how the young kids develop at the Cats now, very slow id reckon????

- Ray Brough (posted 23/11/2011 12:58:51 PM)

Bill, with the typical "AUSSIE" last name, seems there is a lot you dont know buddy????

- Ray Brough (posted 23/11/2011 1:01:32 PM)

Ray I am not negative, I want to see improvement NOT just talk/spin still learning.. etc, it's been too long, if you just want to be "sheep" & accept everything you hear as gospel, fine, your perogative, but don't label someone for having a justified opinion & btw, this current coach hasn't done any better with unlimited help, so it doesn't give a big tick for the "super panel", Tim Watson proved NOT all champion players make good coaches

- Mark McLachlan (posted 23/11/2011 1:16:37 PM)

Raybies hunny, knights did inherit a few good players from Sheeds, but every professional football commentator, and anyone else who knows a bit about AFL, thinks that he left a list that overall was very poor, so stop looking back at Sheeds through rose coloured glasses. And what is a typical Aussie last name? Is it Demetriou, Barrassi, Jesaulenko, Ditterich, Mercuri, Alessio, Misiti or Porplyzia? and why does it matter? You are showing yourself to be ignorant in more ways than one.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 23/11/2011 5:11:11 PM)

I see the Raybie & bobby circus is reunited and back in town.. and on the same day too,funny thing that.. :-) So you are saying Raybie,you know better than the Cats,with their coaching appointments..? I back Luke in a race,when you have your permanent blinkers on,with some of your logic at times..And Mark Mc negative..? ha ha ha..Obviously he has much to learn on the "negs" when one browses thru your archives... :-)

- Hubert Hawkins (posted 23/11/2011 5:31:58 PM)

Mark....you're negative, simple as that, perhaps the boys should live at Windy Hill and never leave .... and Stevie J should discipline himself......

- Todd Walsh (posted 23/11/2011 6:23:54 PM)

Lloyd and Lucas? Inherited a couple of 30 year olds past they're best? Our list was a mess at the end of 07. Sheeds wouldnt pick us for a win in his tipping comp the following year. You made more sense with your commenting on the DM article Raybie.

- Brad Scarr (posted 23/11/2011 7:09:19 PM)

How many A graders might we have in the mid age group if Sheeds had gone for youth instead of trying to buy a flag with recycled players, unfortunately recycled players whose previous clubs were pleasde to see go

- Mark McLachlan (posted 23/11/2011 7:30:14 PM)

My, how the truth hurts, people are accepting from this coaching group exactly what they bagged the last coach for, players they wanted delisted are all of a sudden being touted as A graders, talk about a complete turn around

- Mark McLachlan (posted 23/11/2011 8:51:44 PM)

Hubert Hawkins, i would stick to your day job mate, You wouldn't make a living from you backing on any sort of races from the sound of it pal???

- Ray Brough (posted 23/11/2011 9:23:17 PM)

History shows that the final years of any even benevolent despot are riddle with unwise and, for those who inherit, often crippling decisions. Sheeds is my hero, but even heroes can be flawed. Sometimes we're blinded by the light, even if fading. Mark McL's correct in his assessment of the post-Sheedy list. Just look at who we drafted. Sheeds was given too much leeway, Knights was shackled but did us a huge favour, and Hird still has some way to go with the list. We need to be realistic. Hard decisions will need to be made to get us even near a flag. This site has dreamers, schemers and outrageous screamers. Mixed in, there are thinkers. Love it!

- Kris Bayne (posted 23/11/2011 11:53:32 PM)

Know more about Essendon that would make you drool Ray,save some advice for yourself,you don't know enough about the team from Windy Hill to be thinking you know more than the one's you target.. Regards to your cohort bob.. Cheers Hugh :-)

- Hubert Hawkins (posted 24/11/2011 12:06:46 AM)

Must be pretty hard for you Ray,to support from afar.. you miss out on so much.. like watching training,some Bendigo games.. viewing live games at the 'G and Etihad... Much has changed since Sheeds has moved on,and for keen lifelong observers of how our Club always finds a way to thrive,and viewing playing lists for many seasons,and the highs and lows experienced,how you come to the conclusion on how we have been travelling since the end of an era in 2007,is hard to fathom.. End of Pt 1

- Hubert Hawkins (posted 24/11/2011 12:09:45 AM)

Pt 2... Of course that is your view and opinion,and good luck to you.. the only thing I can add is we are in better shape imo,achieved by wise decisions with retirements,delistings and well above average recruiting over those years you mention,NOT just in the last 12 months.. :-)

- Hubert Hawkins (posted 24/11/2011 12:11:00 AM)

Hugh Hunny, anyone can recruit good players from a draft if you continually finish in the bottom half of the ladder like "KNIGHTS" did??? I don't have to be there in person to work that out buddy???? And the only way is forward now for the Bombers??? Like Hirdy said it was a perfect time for him to take over last year, because we couldn't have been at anymore "ROCK BOTTOM" than we were???

- Ray Brough (posted 24/11/2011 10:15:34 AM)

ahhhhh footy brings out the beast and the best in all of us!!. At least we all agree one one thing WE ARE PROUD PASSIONATE EFC SUPPORTERS!!! we need a better forum for this type of discussion, adding comments like this this its just tit for tat stuff, however very entertaining.

- Rowan Gerecke (posted 24/11/2011 11:13:45 AM)

Raybie, my great grand dad came from Cornwall in the early 1800's so if that does'nt qualify my surname as AUSSIE in your opinion,then so be it. And Ray,a wise old man once told me that there will be many,many friends and aquaintances in one's lifetime,but if you find more than a half a dozen "mates" you will be very lucky. I guess it depends on your definition of "mate"

- Bill Carbis (posted 24/11/2011 12:16:07 PM)

BTW Bill, you are a legend mate, thanx

- Mark McLachlan (posted 24/11/2011 3:31:20 PM)

Good on ya Billy.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 24/11/2011 3:54:20 PM)

I don't think the 'tyranny of distance' (akin to the 'trannie of distance' which, mercifully, the Net has made redundant) makes that much difference, Hubert H. It's how you process the information that you can get! KB @ 8,184.73 km.

- Kris Bayne (posted 24/11/2011 4:56:57 PM)

And you process it well Kris,therein lies the difference between your type of support and opinion,compared to some who I will not mention... "they" stand out for all to see,expressing their type of S & O in their own way... Go Bombers,and welcome to Essendon Elliott K,Jackson M and Nicholas O :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 24/11/2011 8:59:43 PM)

Kris, it was one of the great unknown scandals of Australian academic history that Geoffrey Blainey's penultimate chapter (arguing that the popularity of Essendon FC was due to the attractiveness of its style of play on radio) was held up by Manning Clark

- Thomas Faunce (posted 24/11/2011 9:09:04 PM)

Silly Billy LOL, in Australia "MATE" is only a figure of speech Buddy???? If you ain't sure ask your "PAL" you know the one that watches yours and the rest of the "RCG Gangs" back Mossy JNR??? lol

- Ray Brough (posted 24/11/2011 9:31:20 PM)

Kris, Geoff Blainey's penultimate chapter was originally entitled "The Trannie of Distance." It argued that the popularity of Essendon FC in the 1950'-60's was due to the attractiveness of its style of play over the radio. Manning Clark held it up owing to his Carlton idolatory and the rest is history.

- Thomas Faunce (posted 24/11/2011 9:36:58 PM)

Which goes to show, Thomas F., you can never trust a Carlton supporter, especially one with letters after his name.

- Kris Bayne (posted 25/11/2011 12:02:59 AM)

Thank you to everyone who has poted positive comments. It is not entirely coincidental that David & Jake visit Japan one week and Yakult extends its' partnership the next!

- Yakult Partnership (posted 2/12/2011 3:25:56 PM)