Career
He played for the Northern Knights in the TAC Cup and junior football for Eltham Panthers in the Northern Football League. He was named in the under-18 All-Australian team, playing for Vic Metro. Zaharakis was drafted by Essendon with pick 23 in the 2008 National Draft, whom he supported growing up.
He was awarded the number 11 guernsey, which was previously worn by Damien Peverill.
He made his debut against Fremantle in round 2, 2009, and earned the Rising Star nomination on debut. During 2011, he was able to make the most of his opportunity in the midfield, with the ability to move forward and kick over 30 goals for the season, resulting in winning the West.S. Crichton Meda
lieutenant was revealed by his manager during 2013 that he did not take any part in Essendon"s 2012 controversial sport science program that has since put the club under scrutiny by the American Federation of Labor-Congress and ASADA (Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority).