Essendon midfielder David Zaharakis has shunned AFL free agency to sign a new four-year deal with the Bombers.
Zaharakis, 27, was due to become a restricted free agent at the end of the season but declined the opportunity to test his value on the open market.
"It's fantastic to get the contract finalised on the eve of what will hopefully be a very exciting finals series for us," Zaharakis said.
"Essendon has been such a significant part of my life for a long time.
"I grew up barracking for the Bombers, and over the past nine years I've been able to live my childhood dream.
"We've been starved of finals success for such a long time, so it's time for action and we hope all the hard work, effort and commitment we've put in this year pays off over the coming weeks."
Zaharakis, a best-and-fairest winner in 2011, has played 169 games for the club since he was selected 23rd overall at the 2008 national draft.
He declined to take part in the club''s ill-fated 2012 supplements program and avoided the season-long anti-doping bans handed to 34 past and present players last year.
"David's preparation is elite so it's no surprise he's been such a consistent performer over a long period of time," coach John Worsfold said.
"His running power and skill level makes him a central part of our midfield group for not only this season, but pleasingly the next four years as well."
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