In one of the great football stories, Ramanauskas’ return to elite level football will bring to an end an exile from senior football that has lasted 817 days as he underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy to beat the cancer that was discovered in his neck and shoulder.
Ramanauskas was granted special dispensation by the AFL to be put onto Essendon’s rookie list as a mature-age player this season while he worked to beat the effects of the cancer and subsequent treatment. He made his return to competitive football against Sandringham in
A hamstring injury sidelined Ramanauskas for a couple of games shortly afterwards but his past three matches for Bendigo have been exceptional and it became clear that with Jay Neagle still on the long-term injury list, a Ramanauskas fairytale was not far off completion. Last night Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy called Ramanauskas to give him the news.
This Friday night is now a double celebration for the Essendon faithful with Hird’s 250th alone certain to draw a massive crowd. (Send Hird a message of congratulations). The return of Ramanauskas will add significantly to the occasion which will take on even greater significance should Essendon win the game and move into the top four with just eight rounds remaining.
The Bombers train for the final time this week at 3pm today at Windy Hill.
