The Swans’ clash against Port Adelaide on Saturday will mark notable milestones in the careers of two popular clubmen.
Dane Rampe will mark his 50th match when the Swans’ tackle the Power at Adelaide Oval, while veteran defender Ted Richards will tick off 200 games in the red and white.
Rampe has missed just two games in two seasons since arriving at the Swans via pick 37 in the 2013 Rookie Draft.
The 24-year-old has become a regular member of the Swans’ back six and, with his deadly left boot, been touted as the man to fill the role left by premiership defender Nick Malceski.
The rise of Rampe has been dramatic over the last few seasons after being picked up by the Swans as a 22-year-old following being overlooked by every other AFL club.
Richards was traded to the Swans after playing 33 games for Essendon at the end of the 2005 season.
The veteran defender enjoyed steady improvement over the next six years to become an ever-reliable cog in the Swans’ defence.
In 2012 Richards enjoyed his best season – becoming a premiership player, earning an All-Australian jumper and finishing second in the Bob Skilton Medal all in one hit.
Over his 200 game career with the red and white he has taken on numerous big tasks beating some of the best forwards in the competition and continues to play a key role in defensive alongside Heath Grundy.
