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)
Essendon star David Zaharakis has revealed that he almost become a Hawthorn player.
Zaharakis told RSN927's breakfast show on Thursday that he was very nearly drafted to the Hawks as a 17-year-old in 2007.
Hawthorn had agreed to select Zaharakis at pick No.45 in the draft, however, Alistair Clarkson stepped in at the last minute, ensuring the club selected former Port star Stuart Dew with the club's final pick in the 2007 draft.
“I knew I was in the frame for that pick,” Zaharakis said.
“And on draft day they asked for extra time twice, I was watching this and my head was spinning.