ESSENDON has opened contract negotiations with David Zaharakis, and the star midfielder is keen to finalise an extension beyond 2014 as soon as possible.

 

Zaharakis is the most important Bomber due to come out of contract this year after a string of players re-signed in 2013, including Jobe Watson, Jake Carlisle and Dyson Heppell.

 

The 23-year-old, who is entering his sixth season, said talks with the club were ongoing and ideally would not drag out.  

 

"Hopefully the right thing happens in the end and we get it sorted as soon as we can," Zaharakis told AFL.com.au.

 

"I love the footy club and you'd always want to play at a footy club you've barracked for.

 

"We're working through that at the moment with my manager and the footy club, just working through the process pretty much.

 

"Nothing's been done yet, but it's obviously ongoing."

 

Zaharakis won Essendon's best and fairest as a 21-year-old in 2011, but his last two years have been interrupted by injury.

 

The skilful runner has enjoyed a flawless preparation for the new season, however, and is poised to take on more midfield responsibility after spending periods across half-forward.

 

Other Bombers set to come out of contract at the end of this season include free agents Heath Hocking and Leroy Jetta, Michael Hibberd, Kyle Hardingham and Ben Howlett.