Adam Ramanauskas probably could have won two awards at the Crichton Medal on Wednesday night – Most Courageous or Best Clubman. In the end it was best clubman but nobody has doubted this young man’s courage since it was revealed he had a low-grade cancer in his neck. The illness brought his season to a premature end and he is about to complete his six-week course of radiotherapy. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Adam accepted his award.

In presenting the award, Essendon assistant coach Robert Shaw spoke about the day the players found out about Adam's illness. ""Adam announced to the group that he had a low grade cancer in his neck and that he would not be able to continue his football career this season. Quite stunningly if that wasn't bad enough, the news that stunned everyone more so and that epitomises Adam was that he actually got up and apologised to the players for letting them down. He said, ""I am sorry I won't be with you through the year and I am sorry I won't be playing finals and that I have let you down."" It was unbelievable,"" Shaw said.

""So what do our players think of Adam Ramanauskas? In one round during the year, an umpire called John Barnes over and handed him a most unusual piece of paper. It had a photo of Adam Ramanauskas on it and it was lost or dropped by a unnamed player who carried that photo of Adam Ramanauskas in his sock in every game.

""As far as best clubmen go, you admire Dean Wallis, Mark Bolton, Paul Barnard and all those sort of players, but it would be fair to say that when a bloke has got a cancer in his neck and he apologies for letting people down and that he wishes them well - you Adam have taken the name or the word, or the award of our greatest clubman to a new level.""

This was what Adam had to say to the audience of 1300 at last night’s Crichton Medal count.

“I truly do love the Essendon Football Club. The way you have handled this situation has been nothing short of amazing. You have put no pressure on myself or my family and I truly do appreciate that. To Peter Jackson, Graeme McMahon and Sheeds the way you have handled it and kept the pressure off me, I really do appreciate it, so thanks very much.

“To Belinda (long-time girlfriend), you have been there from the start and I have nearly finished my treatment - I finish next Tuesday. Hopefully after next Tuesday it can all be gone. Belinda you have always put on a brave face and been there for me,” he said. “To my family who have probably taken it harder than me and I guess their love and support has really got me through it. It has been a difficult time for them and I know they have kept a brave face on and always been positive for me. To mum, dad, my brother and sister I really do appreciate your support and help, so thank you very much.

“To my teammates - you blokes have really made it quite easy for me to go through this. Your support and the way you guys have handled it as well has been great. I can't count how many guys have been to the hospital to see me or pulled me aside and said a kind word to me. I really do appreciate your support and I guess you guys are what I have missed the most through the year. I have sat there and watched you play and thought I could probably help you out a bit, but I haven't been able to get out there.

“You guys have made it so easy for me to go through this and you are just an amazing bunch of fellows that I cannot truly wait to play with again with next season. To the boys, I love you all. Lastly, I said to the boys that I was sorry that I couldn't play with you again with you this season, but trust me, I can't wait to get out there next season and help you out!”