ESSENDON premiership duo Adam Ramanauskas and Jason Johnson announced their retirements at Windy Hill on Monday afternoon.

Each will play their final AFL game against St Kilda on Sunday.

Johnson has been a stalwart of the Bombers' midfield throughout the past decade, has played 183 games, was chosen as All-Australian in 2001 and twice won the best and fairest award.

Ramanauskas burst onto the scene in 1999 and was a key plank of the 2000 premiership side while still a teenager. He has played 133 games for the club and, last year, made an emotional return to senior football after recovering from two bouts of cancer.

Fellow retiree Mal Michael and Damien Peverill [who will be cut from the list] will also play their final games for the club on Sunday.

“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.

Ramanauskas paid tribute to the club for its support through the period of his illness, but said he wanted to make way for younger players.

"I just found myself in the position that I didn't want to hold the club back. I could have maybe toughed it out another year or two but who's to say I would have been happy doing that," he said on Monday.

"With the situation I've been in over the last few years I really wanted to give this year the best crack that I could. I feel at stages that I've been OK, and I feel at stages I haven't been so good.

"I'm really happy with my decision and the support the club has given me especially over my journey they've been nothing short of amazing.

"For a club to do that for an individual like myself I'm just so appreciative."

Knights said there is no-one at the club who is held in higher regard than 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 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.

Andrew Lee, Danny Chartres, Dean Dick and Courtney Johns have also been told they won’t be offered a contract for 2009.