Strengths: Mercuri is renowned for his silky smooth skills. He has pinpoint accuracy when delivering the ball and his pace is also an asset. He is the one person you would rely upon in front of goal, both from a standing start and on the run. Groin injuries in recent seasons have hindered his running ability and subsequently his form.
Position: Over the past few seasons, Mercuri has played the majority of his football across the half-forward line with stints in the middle. At his best he provides drive and fire power up forward and is renowned as a goal sneak. Depending on how Mercuri shapes up during the preseason, he may well spend more time in the midfield than he has in recent years.
2003: The Bombers need Mercuri to show why he is regarded as one of the games most dynamic players when in form. Mercuri has the ability to hurt opposition sides with his pace and skill and he needs to use these attributes to provide the Bombers with a serious goal scoring option in 2003. At 29-years-old, Mercuri is in the second half of his career – for both himself and the side, Essendon fans will want him to grab every opportunity that comes his way.
Kevin Sheedy says: Mark needs to have a top year to regain his confidence and self belief and also to repay his fans who have remained loyal to him. I think it will be great to have him back, in form, and not injured. He, Aaron Henneman and Dean Solomon back in the side will be like having three very experienced “recruits”. Mark needs to put a heap of pressure back on his opponents by letting them know that if they don’t take him seriously, he will kick three goals on them. If he can’t do that, then we will put him in the backline where he can save us three goals - he has played quite well there with very effective kicking.
