The image of AFL players sunk further with confirmation Essendon's Adam Ramanauskas was sledged about his fight with cancer by Port Adelaide's Brett Montgomery during a round one game.

Montgomery mocked Ramanauskas, who underwent surgery and two bouts of treatment last year to remove a tumour from his shoulder and neck area.

The AFL last month warned players they could be penalised for sledging opponents, in the wake of a torrent of sexual assault cases that have tarnished the game.

But the AFL did not level a penalty on Montgomery, satisfied that the All-Australian backman was fined $2,000 by his club and his public apology.

Montgomery is believed to have sledged Ramanauskas during a scuffle in the final quarter and the taunt was overheard by field umpire Mathew James, who decided not to lay a report or award the Essendon winger a free kick.

"In the heat of the moment and out of frustration I made reference to Adam's medical treatment," he said in a statement.

"My reactionary comments were a spur of the moment thing, and something I regretted immediately.

"I tried to apologise that night, and have since sent a letter of apology to Adam.

"I certainly feel for what Adam has gone through and respect his efforts to get back and play football at the highest level.

"I apologise for saying what I did, but reiterate it was done in the heat of the moment and it was not meant to hurt Adam personally."

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