Rampe at home in Sydney
This article first appeared on afl.com.au
By James Dampney
Rampe is the epitome of a local boy made good, having grown up in Clovelly in Sydney’s east and earning his shot at the Swans via the local Sydney AFL competition.
He did have a stint with the Western Bulldogs’ VFL affiliate Williamstown, which failed to work out, forcing him to return home.
Now established in the backline of the defending premiers and playing 13 of a possible 15 games this year including the last 12 straight, the 23-year-old wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I often think how lucky I am that it’s worked out the way it has,” he said.
“I used to get a bit down on myself that it hadn’t happened, but it’s worked out for the best and I still have to pinch myself at how unbelievably lucky I am to play for my home club.
“I’m still living at home with my parents and my network is here; it’s a genuine dream come true.”
While he and his teammates were pleased to dominate the Giants on Sunday, Rampe knows having a second team in Sydney is critical for the sport.
“It’s definitely good for the development of the game,” he said.
“It does give kids out west a hope.
“It’s also really important we develop the game in this area of Sydney and having more NSW-based players who have grown up and developed here will really help the rivalry.
“Then once they (the Giants) grow a little bit and the games become a little bit closer, I think that will be good to generate interest in the game.”
