Rampe steps up to seniors

By James Matthey

Dane Rampe will be hoping to become a household name in 2013 after being upgraded to the Sydney Swans senior list today.

The 22-year-old will make the step up from the rookie list after impressing in the Swans’ pre-season campaign, playing every NAB Cup match for the reigning premiers.

Speaking at today’s official season launch at Parliament House, Sydney co-captain Kieren Jack said Rampe’s work ethic was an inspiration for young players.

“He’s been terrific this pre-season, he’s had a really great attitude and it’s a great sign for kids looking up to players to know that even if you get knocked back, you can come back and an opportunity can still present itself.”

Rampe was selected by the Swans at pick 37 in last year’s rookie draft, and is a graduate of the Sydney Football League (SFL).

He played a starring role for UNSW/Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs in the 2012 competition, while also making appearances for the Swans Reserves in the same season.

So dominant was Rampe in the SFL that he won both the Sydney AFL Phelan Medal for the competition’s best and fairest player, and the Howarth Trophy for representative player of the year.

The Clovelly product’s rise is testimony to the importance of the SFL in grooming players for the rigours that come with playing with AFL football.

Jack said his rise through the ranks was an example of the growing strength of AFL in NSW.

“It’s a great sign for footy in NSW, I think he had a stint down in Melbourne but probably missed a few opportunities there, but he came through the Swans academy too so it’s a great sign.”

AFL Sydney Football Operations Manager, Matthew Graham, said Rampe’s selection was a great advertisement for the value of the Sydney Football League.

“AFL Sydney provides an excellent platform for talented players to show their wares to AFL Clubs and Dane’s elevation is a fine example of this.

“This is an excellent advertisement for AFL Sydney and the quality of player it attracts,” said Graham.

Swans coach John Longmire said Rampe’s chance comes after the hard work he has put in throughout the pre-season.

“He’s had a very good summer.”

“He’s done a good job over the pre-season so we might give him a go,” said Longmire.

Defender Marty Mattner was also full of praise for the youngster.

“Dane Rampe had an amazing pre-season,” said Mattner.

“It was probably one of the best pre-seasons at the club, and his NAB Cup form has been amazing.”

His ability to play on both tall and small forwards will prove an asset as he aims to cover the loss of key defender Alex Johnson, who is likely to miss the entire season after suffering a serious knee injury.

He will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of teammate Harry Cunningham, who 12 months ago was given a berth in the Swans’ 22 for their Round One clash with the GIANTS after performing strongly during pre-season.

This will be Rampe’s second taste of elite football, having previously trained with the Western Bulldogs for two years after joining the Victorian club in 2009.

However, he was unable to break into the club’s senior squad, forced to play both seasons with Williamstown in the VFL.

The Battle of the Bridge will be played at ANZ Stadium on Saturday March 30.