In the first 49 games of his career Adam Ramansauskas has achieved things that elude many during an entire career. He has a premiership medal around his neck, he played every game for Essendon in its premiership year, he is a Rising Star nominee and is touted as a future star of the game. It has been a hectic and a highly impressive start to an AFL career.

It has also been a start to a career that has dealt almost exclusively with success. In 49 games, Ramanauskas has only experienced defeat on seven occasions. One of those occasions was in his first game when Essendon went down to St Kilda. But nonetheless it is a record that puts him ahead of other Essendon greats to play in successful eras.

Adam Ramanauskas 42 wins from 49
Mark Harvey 39 from 49
John Coleman 38 from 49
Jack Jones 37 from 49
Barry Davis 34 from 49
Neale Daniher 26 from 49

""I have been lucky to have been a part of such a good side. I think it is probably easier for young players to fit into a side that is winning although it can sometimes make it harder to get a kick,"" Ramanauskas said.

Ramanauskas said he does refelct occasionally on what has transpired over the past two years but added that it only makes him hungrier for more of the same. ""To play in a Premiership so early in my career was just an amazing feeling but it is something I will never take for granted. I have spoken to players like Joe Misiti and Dustin Fletcher about it - they played in the 1993 premiership and had to wait another seven years to play in another one. The whole team is determined to make the most of the position we have got ourselves into this year,"" he said.

And Ramanauskas and his teammates are well aware that a very good Hawthron side stands in the way of Essendon and another Grand Final appearance. ""Hawthorn were sensational in Adelaide last weekend. To win a final interstate is a big effort and they will be high on confidence after that game. I have no doubt it will be a very tight match and hopefully we come out on top,"" he said.

If the Bombers do get over the top of the Hawks, you can be sure that Ramma will have again played a significant role in the win. Modesty prevents the youngster from admitting he has been an important ingredient in Essendon's success both those in the outer are well aware of his importance. ""I just go out with a job to do and try and do it to the best of my ability. That is all any player can do. If we all do our jobs well enough we will win games,"" he said.