ESSENDON is keen to open negotiations with David Zaharakis to lock the star midfielder into a new contract.
It is believed low-level talks have begun to extend Zaharakis' current deal, which sees him tied to the Bombers until the end of the 2014 season.
The 23-year-old is Essendon's highest profile player to potentially fall out of contract next season. The club re-signed a number of key players this year, including captain Jobe Watson, Jake Carlisle, Dyson Heppell, Tom Bellchambers and Jake Melksham.
A two-year extension would see Zaharakis qualify as a restricted free agent at the end of 2016.
Gallery: Bombers return to training
He is one of the club's most important players and a member of its leadership group.
Zaharakis won Essendon's best and fairest in 2011 as a 21-year-old after a breakout season, with his pace, skills and goalkicking adding flair to the club's midfield.
His last two seasons have been injury affected, with a severe quad tendon tear forcing him to miss 10 weeks in 2012.
A quad strain limited Zaharakis' preparation for the 2013 campaign but he came into form early in the year, putting in a best-on-ground showing on Anzac Day against Collingwood in round five with 34 disposals and four goals.
A back injury curtailed his influence in the second half of 2013 but he has returned in strong shape for this pre-season and was one of 25 players to travel to Colorado on Saturday for the club's high-altitude training.
"We are looking forward to it. Obviously conditions will be pretty tough but we think it will be a good camp," Zaharakis said before departing.
"Last year the guys felt the effects of it during the season which is a positive and hopefully we can have the same again this year.
"I felt it all through pre-season and then it enabled you to build up an even stronger base to carry into the season."
Since making his debut in 2009, Zaharakis has played 87 games for the Bombers and kicked 73 goals.
