The Bombers endured an eight-game losing streak on their way to 12th spot in Matthew Knights' first year in charge and they have been installed as the equal second favourite for the wooden spoon next season.
But Ramanauskas, who has taken up a part-time mentoring role with the club since announcing his retirement, is not buying into that gloomy forecast.
"The club's under no illusions as to where they're at, at the moment. It's going to be a long and tough pre-season again as they continue to develop the game plan, but at the same time the club is aiming for finals; that's the simple fact," Ramanauskas said.
"Knighter is a very competitive person and he wants the best for the club. Yes, he wants to continue to develop the players, but at the end of the day we're in the business of winning football games, so the club wants to be playing finals football next year."
Ramanauskas, who twice overcame cancer to return to the playing field, received the Steel Blue Community Spirit award at the AFL Players' Association annual awards ceremony on Friday for his work in helping to find a cure for the disease.
The bright lights of AFL football coupled with his ongoing commitment to working with the Cancer Council of Victoria have made Ramanauskas a very visible figurehead for the cause.
It's a position he never envisioned himself in, but is happy to take on nonetheless.
"If it was someone else I'm sure they would have done the same thing," he said.
"Something really, really good has come out of something that was a pretty tough time in my life. I do find it embarrassing at times, the recognition that I get, but at the same time if it helps a few people along the way in terms of their treatment and what they're going through then I'm more than willing to do it.
"I'm very proud of the work that I've been able to do in the community over the last couple of years.
"I'm very proud, but at the same time, the job's not done and we'll continue to do it as the years go on and I'll continue to be as passionate about it."
Ramanauskas hopes to continue to grow the Call to Arms fund-raising and awareness campaign he played a major role in establishing.
