Rama & JJ Give It Away

As was long expected … Jason Johnson and Adam Ramanauskas officially announced their retirements from AFL football on Monday and both will play their final games this Sunday afternoon as the Bombers close out their season against St. Kilda.

Both members of the 2000 Premiership side, Ramanauskas has played 133 games since making his debut in 1999 while Johnson, a two times best and fairest winner and All-Australian midfielder has played 183 games for the club in a career spanning 12 years.

They will join fellow retiree Mal Michael and the soon to be delisted Damien Peverill in playing their final games for the club on Sunday.

“He (Ramanauskas) is a champion of this club – both as a person and as a player – and he leaves a lasting legacy with his premiership and work to help establish the annual Call to Arms campaign and Clash for Cancer game.” Essendon coach Matthew Knights said. “Rama is a courageous person and is incredibly well thought of by the playing group, coaches and staff – I hope he continues to be involved with the club in the future.”

“Jason has had to overcome a number of injury set-backs this year but he has just kept persevering and has come back into the senior side which shows his character,” Knights added.

Andrew Lee, Danny Chartres, Dean Dick and Courtney Johns have also been told they won’t be offered a contract for 2009.

Posted 25 August 08 in News