Essendon midfielder David Zaharakis has signed a new deal to keep him at the club until the end of the 2017 AFL season.

“I’ve supported the Bombers since I was a young boy so to re-sign for a further three years, I couldn’t be happier,” the 24-year-old said on Wednesday.

The 2011 club champion said he was keen to finalise the deal before round one. The Bombers play North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium in their season-opener on Friday night.

Zaharakis was 10th in Essendon’s best and fairest award last year, playing 21 games for a career total of 87.

Essendon coach Mark Thompson said Zaharakis had been a leader on the training track during pre-season and had shown consistent form in practice matches.

“Players like Zacka are the future of our football club, and to have him re-sign for the next three years is exciting for the playing group and for our fans,” Thompson said in a club statement.

“He’s a smart footballer and the most pleasing aspect is he still has his best football ahead of him.”