The Essendon selectors breathed a collective sigh of relief tonight when mid-fielder Adam Ramanauskas was cleared of a striking charge by the AFL tribunal. The Essendon selectors are slowly assembling the club's best side after a poor run with injuries - the loss of a suspended Ramanauskas would have added to their frustration. Ramanauskas was charged with striking Fremantle captain Shaun McManus prior to the first bounce in what was a fiery opening to the game. Ramanuaskas pleaded not guilty to the charge saying he had hold of McManus' jumper at the time and was merely pushing him away. The tribunal agreed and found the charge not sustained.
