Mark Mercuri had a minor hiccup to his 2004 pre-season last Saturday night, when he strained his hamstring. He will be back in three weeks and his form has indicated that he is on course for a big season. The coaching panel’s decision to move him to the back pocket could be one of the most important moves of the year. His ability to find the football will be invaluable deep in defence and his vision and foot skills will ensure he creates opportunities further up the field. If he finds his best form, look out.

2003
Mercuri would have been disappointed with his form in 2003. Again he was hampered by injury and when he did play spent a lot of time on the bench. His best game for the season was in Round 8 against Hawthorn, where he was the Bombers' top possession getter - finishing with two goals and 22 touches. Mercuri was dropped from the seniors in the first round of the finals and did not return for the remainder of the season. The 29-year-old has two more years remaining on his five-year contract and he will be determined to repay the club's faith in 2004.

STRENGTHS
Mercuri’s evasive skills and fancy footwork have always been a highlight of his game. A chronic groin injury in recent seasons has hampered his agility and running ability. The asset Mercuri hasn’t lost is his football smarts and with a few good performances under his belt in 2004, he will no doubt have the confidence and form to carry and use the ball like he used to.

POSITION
Mercuri is renowned for his work up forward as a goal sneak. He has spent the majority of his career in the forwardline and booted 240 goals in 198 games. To re-invent his career, the coaching panel has moved him into defence this season. In the Wizard Cup, Mercuri played between half-back and the back pocket.

2004
Without doubt 2004 is a crucial season for Mercuri. He has promised many things in the past two years but has failed to deliver. In 2003 he showed glimpses of the form he is capable of but was unable to string consistent performances together. Essendon fans will be hoping for a big contribution from Mercuri in 2004.

WHAT SHEEDY SAYS
Mark is a very good player but hasn’t been in good form for the past few years. He has been very inconsistent and within himself he would want to play better than what he has. So it is up to him, otherwise it is the reserves for him and you start your career again and that is going to be a mentally tough issue for any player. I have seen if the fire can be lit back there in the backline and he has showed good form so far in the pre-season. He has started to create goals for us from defence and that is smart play.