Essendon chief executive Peter Jackson today updated the media on the condition of Adam Ramanauskas. He read the following statement: ""Adam Ramanauskas underwent surgery last night to remove a tumour from his neck and shoulder region. The press release issued by the club yesterday indicated that the implications of this surgery could be serious. Adam does have a battle on his hands. The exact nature of Adam’s condition will be confirmed next week when biopsy results are available.

""On the question of nerve damage, during the operation surgeons decided on a different course of treatment and thus no nerve damage was done.

""As we said yesterday, it is his health that is the most important issue here. His long-term playing future is very-much secondary to that and as such is not even a consideration at this point in time.

""This club will keep the media informed to the extent his family and this club feel is reasonable. As we said yesterday, this is a private medical matter.

""I would once again ask people to respect Adam and his family’s privacy and also that of the players, coaches and staff at the club.""