Mercuri under the pump

[Stealth bomber]

Thought he might have looked a bit underdone myself.

From EFC:

"Mercuri might find himself out of the seniors soon because he can't afford not to play well like he did last year. Mark will come under scrutiny. We can't afford our best players not to be playing their best footy. One game isn't the be all and end all at the moment but you wouldn't want to play too many poor games at Essendon at the moment because we will change the team around. It doesn't matter if they are senior players or not. We have young talent we want to bring into the side and we will bring them in pretty soon".

 

[mongrelpunt]

Mercs is suffering from a massive confidence drop. It might be the best for him to be dropped back to the twos for a couple of weeks, just to get some of the ball.

And with the likes of Bannister & Reynolds doing well against the Logies, and Watson & Lay**** pushing for selection, it doesn't look good for Mercuri.

 

[Stealth bomber]

At the very least, I would only play him in spurts, off the bench. Otherwise, put him into a forward pocket.

As Essendon goes, so does Mercs. It's a given. The success of this outfit depends a lot on him performing up front. We are probably paying him too much money right now. When does his contract come up next?

 

[peruka]

doing well against the Logies

Havent stopped laughing since I saw that. As for his contract, into his 3rd year out of a 5 year deal. But people seem to forget why he got this contract, coming 2nd in the brownlow says you didnt have a good year, but a bloody sensational one. His main problem is all in his head, ever since his brother passed he hasnt been the same on and off the field. Now I know Mark and he hasnt been the same since, I really think he will never get over it. But hopefully the kick in the pants he got from Sheeds will help him turn around his fortunes. Absolutely brilliant when on song! But as a Essendon member, how long can we keep defending him, its been 2 years now since weve really seen the true Mark Mercuri, and I dont want to wait any longer

 

[Lethal]

Originally posted by Stealth bomber
When does his contract come up next?

Still got 2 years to run on it after this season. He's in his 3rd year of a 5 year deal.

 

[Grogette]

Dear love Mark, I actually feel bad for him as we all know he really didn't have a good year last year with injuries and there was a bucket load of pressure put on to him (I was certainly guilty of this! ) to perform at the level that he was playing at in 1999 etc.

I honestly feel a drop to the twos might be worst for Mark's confidence! But what do I know I am not a coach, it's just a feeling I have. In saying all that - Sheedy know his sh*t and it might end up working. It quite possibly be just what he needs to get back too the Mercuri, we all know and love! Mark's only 29 and I believe he has a few more years in him yet!!!

I wish him luck with regaining his confidence and self belief, I hope he can do it! It would be so nice to see him back to his personal best and injured free.

Go Mercuri!!!