It was a solid team performance by Essendon yesterday against Richmond despite the final quarter fade out. The team had a number of key contributors including Joe Misiti, Scott Lucas, Matthew Lloyd and Dean Rioli. One player that enjoyed a return to form was Mark Mercuri. Despite having limited game time, the Bomber veteran notched up 17 disposals - eight kicks and nine handballs. ""I think I ended up with two and a half quarters and found a little bit of the ball. I am just trying to make an impact when I come onto the ground. Everyone has just got to contribute and whatever way I can I will,"" Mercuri said.

A highlight of Mercuri's game was the number of contested pack marks he took. He finished with eight marks for the match and the majority of those were contested. ""If I am taking those grabs it is always good. It makes you feel a bit better about yourself. I have to thank Sheeds for sticking by me - he good like that and is loyal towards his players. He stuck by me and hopefully things can come together for me towards the end of the year.""

Mercuri said the important result to come out of the victory yesterday was that the team has sewn up a spot in another finals campaign. ""The win against Richmond has locked up a position in the top eight for us and to win seven of the past eight games is good form. We have a big game next week against Fremantle and hopefully we can continue the form,"" the dual premiership player said.

Essendon faces Fremantle (The Dome) and Collingwood (MCG) in the remaining two home and away matches. Mercuri said the two matches would give the team a good preparation leading into September. ""The last few weeks have been against bottom eight sides so leading in we have a couple of top eight sides. So if we can win those it will give us a really good preparation for the finals. However, winning form is good form and you can only beat your opposition and we have done that.""