The name ‘Mercuri’ holds a special place in every Essendon supporter’s memory.

A local boy, who grew up playing for Keilor Park in the Essendon District Football League, Mercuri would go on to become one of the most talented players during the 1990s and early 2000s.

Mercuri joined the Bombers in 1992, making his debut in Round 10 against Carlton. While he would only play a three games in his first season, it wouldn’t take long for the silky midfielder to become a permanent fixture in the team. 

Over his 207-games for the Dons, Mercuri would gain league wide recognition for his well honed evasive skills, deadly disposal accuracy and ability to find the goals with ease.

Such was his impact, that Essendon’s current line Coach, Guy McKenna, still rates him as the best Essendon player that he ever played against. 

Speaking on Bomber Radio, McKenna was quick to highlight Mercuri’s talent and discussed the difficulty of manning up on him and was not surprised when he learned of Gavin Wanganeen’s praise for Mercuri a few weeks earlier.

“He just had a great set of hands and, with his body craft in protecting the zone, he could take a catch,” said McKenna

“He’d just stay active at the contest, and he had very sticky hands.

“When he got his one or two hands on it, it was a mark and it was a shot for goal. 

“He was a good kick for goal, and I’m not surprised that Gavin Wanganeen said that.”

McKenna’s praise would be well received by Mercuri, with the former Eagles defender regarded as one of the most formidable backman during his time.

McKenna played 267 games for the Eagles between 1988 and 2000, playing alongside Glen Jackovich, Michael Brennan, Ashley McIntosh and current Essendon head coach, John Worsfold.

Despite only standing at 184cm tall, McKenna’s ferocity and consistency on the field saw him torment opposition forwards week in, week out.

McKenna joined Worsfold at the Bombers for the 2016 season, taking charge of the Club’s midfield group. 

Tune in to Bomber Radio this Thursday evening at 8pm, to hear ‘Bluey’ talk about his work, the midfield’s development and his vision for the future.