MERCURI, Mark

Mark Mercuri, one of the "Baby Bombers" from 1992, was one of the players that helped Essendon win the 1993 premiership. Coming from the Essendon area, he was one of the great finds for Essendon. He made a name for himself as a goal-sneak, with the ability to score goals at critical moments, but he was also one of Essendon's most polished and skilful players.

He first tasted victory in the Little League, playing in the Bombers' premiership teams in 1984 and 1985.

"Mercs" as he was known, had two very successful years in 1995 and 1996, performing well in various media competitions. He was among Essendon's highest possession winners and finished second to James Hird in the 1996 Crichton Medal.

He played only 11 games in 1997, but had a much better season in 1998, when he played 20 games and came fourth in the Crichton Medal with 209 votes.

Mercuri enjoyed his best year in 1999. He won the Crichton Medal, polling votes in 19 of the 23 matches he played, and ran second in the Brownlow Medal with 22 votes. His silky smooth style saw him play off half-back, through the middle and in the forward line, utilising his poise and balance. James Hird described Mercuri as the best player he had played with and Kevin Sheedy said he was among the best players he had coached - high praise indeed.

He won the Michael Tuck Medal as best on ground in the 2000 Ansett Cup Grand Final in Essendon's win. He was a member of the 2000 premiership team, playing mainly as a midfielder and half-forward flanker.

Mercuri missed several games during the 2001 season due to injury but still managed 20 games for the year. After returning to footy during the year he took a little time to find his feet again but a brilliant display in Round 20 against Collingwood showed he wasn't far away. He played a key role in Essendon's Qualifying Final win over Richmond, but injured his ankle against Hawthorn in the Preliminary Final and struggled to be fully fit for the Grand Final against the Brisbane Lions the following week.

He looked to be back to his best by mid-season but badly injured his groin in Round 13 and missed the rest of the season.

Following a disappointing 2002, Mercuri managed 16 games in 2003. His final season, 2004, was curtailed due to a knee injury and he managed just nine senior games to bring his career tally to 207.

He retired at the end of 2004 along with Joe Misiti and Sean Wellman.

Mark Mercuri was named at number 41 in the Champions of Essendon (2002) and inducted as a member of the Hall of Fame in 2023.