Dane does it again
By Jack McAnespie
The Swans faced their worst start to a season in 15 years, and came up against a quality opposition in Fremantle, who many experts tip to go the distance once again in season 2014, after finishing runners-up last year.
However, it was Rampe and the Swans who prevailed, by 17 points, through a typically Sydney-like performance.
Through fierce attack on the ball, and ferocious tackling pressure for the entire four quarters, the Swans silenced their early season critics for at least another week with a memorable win.
Rampe, who hails from the local seaside suburb of Clovelly, was outstanding with 22 possessions, four marks and two tackles.
In possibly his best game for the club, Rampe didn’t look like losing a contest when the ball came into his area, and with the help of Ted Richards, Rhyce Shaw and Nick Smith, set the tone for the night through some superb defence and counter-attack.
“We were just united, I think that was a big focus coming out of last week’s game,” said Rampe.
“There were some hard truths spoken [following last week] and we were just a united bunch out there. That’s why it felt so good and that’s why we played so well.”
Rampe was particularly pleased with his own performance as well.
“I felt pretty good actually… early on I was probably playing on some taller opponents… I was probably able to beat them on the ground.
“I thought I defended pretty well, that’s the foundation of my game. As long as I’m doing that then I’m contributing to the team.”
This week the Swan’s travel to Melbourne, to take on the Paul Roos’ Demons for the first time since the former Swans coach took the reigns at the wavering club.
However, speaking to the media on Tuesday, Rampe made no illusion about what is expected by the coaches and his fellow teammates against the Demons.
"Our challenge is to back up that effort,” said Rampe.
"That’s our challenge now and I think the start of the season has shown that the competition is really even… They’re no easy-beats.”
Rampe and the Swans will be looking to back up last week’s vital win when they take on the Demons at the MCG on Saturday night.
