The 2000 Premiership stars will play their final game for the club on Sunday against St Kilda in what is shaping as an emotional day for Essendon.
Defender Mal Michael (who recently announced his retirement) and long-time Bomber Damien Peverill (who has been told he won’t be offered another contract) will also play their final games for the club.
“This Sunday will be an emotional and important game for Essendon as we farewell four players who, in their own way, have each had a big impact on the club and its supporters,” Knights said.
“I call on all Essendon fans to get to Sunday’s game and say thanks to these four players – they deserve to be recognised for their hard work and commitment to the Bombers.”
Ramanauskas has played 133 games for the Bombers since making his debut in 1999 and, last year, made an emotional return to senior football after recovering from two bouts of cancer.
Knights said there is no-one at the club who is held in higher regard than the 27-year-old.
“He 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.
“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.”
Knights said 31-year-old Johnson - who has played 183 games and won two Crichton Medals after making his debut in 1997 - is a role model to the club’s younger players with his hardness at the ball and positive attitude.
“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,” he said.
“He has been a great warrior of the Essendon Football Club and had an excellent career. I see him as a leader and we have been fortunate to have him at this club.”
Andrew Lee, Danny Chartres, Dean Dick and Courtney Johns have also been told they won’t be offered a contract for 2009.
