East Sydney boys impress on home soil

The Swans Round 8 clash against the Hawks was touted as a Friday Night blockbuster at the start of the season, and the game lived up to the hype as the Swans downed last year’s premiers to the tune of 19 points.

With Kurt Kippett’s 4-goal return to senior footy, along with Buddy Franklin’s first appearance against his old club, there were a number of talking points to come out of the game.

The night was also notable due to the sheer number of NSW/ACT born players taking part in the game. Ten NSW/ACT juniors took the field, with Swans co-captains, and Pennant Hills juniors Kieran Jack and Jarrad McVeigh having standout games.

Hawthorn small forwards, and Temora locals, Isaac Smith and Luke Breust were impressive for the visitors, however it was not enough to see their side get over the line against a resolute Swans outfit.

The night was particularly significant for the East Sydney Bulldogs Junior Football Club, with two of the club’s juniors, Dane Rampe and Will Langford facing off against each other for the first time at AFL level.

Both players also enjoyed stints at University of New South Wales/Eastern Sydney Bulldogs in the Sydney AFL, with Rampe in particular developing a significant rapport with the playing group at the club.

It was Rampe, who after claiming the 2012 Phelan Medal as the Best and Fairest player in the Sydney AFL competition, was drafted to the Swans, and impressed in his debut season last year.

UNSW/ES Bulldogs Club President, Stephen Ray was pleased with the development of top-level football in NSW/ACT, adding that the performance of players like Rampe and Langford at AFL level, had given real credibility to the production of AFL standard players.

“It was a tremendous feeling to watch two UNSW/ES juniors playing on such a big stage,” said Ray.

“Naturally as the current Bulldogs President, I am very proud, but we must acknowledge the efforts of so many other junior coaches, club administrators, supporters, and families who were instrumental in making Dane and Will such great footballers, and fine young men.

“The Sydney AFL Pathway policy may have its critics, but last Friday night was one of those times when you feel all the effort in applying the policy was worthwhile.”

This week, Rampe and the Swans will be looking for another win, when they face the Bombers on Friday night at Etihad Stadium, while Langford and the Hawks will be resting up on their bye weekend.