MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 12: David Zaharakis of the Bombers handballs whilst being tackled by Paddy Dow of the Blues during the round eight AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Essendon Bombers at Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 12, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Departing Bombers veteran David Zaharakis remains open to options on his playing career after not being offered a new deal by Essendon for the 2022 season.

According to AFL.com.authe 31-year-old is keen to keep his career alive after 13 seasons in the red sash.

The Bombers have bid farewell to Zaharakis and fellow veterans Cale Hooker and Patrick Ambrose so far this year, with the latter duo announcing their retirement from the game last month.

However, despite being forced to the exit at Tullamarine, Zaharakis will assess his options elsewhere, whether that be in Victoria or interstate.

The 2011 Crichton Medal winner was limited to just nine appearances for the Bombers this season, with a bevy of young names managing to cement their place in Ben Rutten's best 22.

An injection of youth is the core Rutten is looking to build on following the club's return to the top-eight, with an accelerated rebuild almost seeing the Bombers snap their finals-winning drought.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 1: David Zaharakis of the Bombers in action ahead of Kade Simpson of the Blues during the 2016 AFL Round 06 match between the Carlton Blues and the Essendon Bombers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne on May 1, 2016. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

The list revamp was a likely factor in Zaharakis and his beloved club having to part ways, a concept he and player manager Scott Lucas have come to accept.

“You’re having discussions with player and club along the way, so you get a sense of where it sits and where it might be moving," Scott told SEN

“All I can say overall is ‘Zacka’ had some really honest conversations with the coach.

“Players don’t always like the decisions and like what they are going to hear, but if done in the right way then you just respect that person for being honest and upfront.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 30: David Zaharakis of the Bombers celebrates kicking a goal during the round 19 AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Essendon Bombers at Etihad Stadium on July 30, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

"It’s never easy for clubs to effectively call time on the careers of great players, loyal servants, well-loved players.

“But that’s the business we’re in.”

Zaharakis leaves the Bombers with an ANZAC Day Medal and 226 games with the club, having made his debut in 2009.