The year was 1999 and on a sunny day in June the Sydney Cricket Ground was bracing for a historic moment. Star Sydney forward Tony “Plugger” Lockett was on the cusp of breaking the AFL/VFL career goalkicking record and of the 42,264 people in attendance, was a young Dane Rampe.
Like many budding footballers it was his father who introduced Rampe to the Sherrin. But on that day in June, it was the star power of Plugger and a rocking SCG that planted a seed for future greatness – 249 games of greatness to be exact. And counting.
“Dad was probably the one that got us into the AFL, and he used to drag us along,” Rampe told Sydney Swans Media ahead of his 250th milestone match.
“I was there for Plugger’s record-breaking goal and from that age, I decided that playing footy was my dream."
Rampe’s entry into professional football wasn’t typical of many household names. In fact, it’s a tale of unwavering perseverance and commitment – attributes that Rampe has become known for during his tenure with the Sydney Swans.
Rampe was denied at four national drafts until he landed a spot at the club with pick 37 in the 2013 AFL rookie draft. The then 22-year-old made his debut almost immediately in Round 1 of the 2013 season. He was in good company joining the likes of Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton and Jarred McVeigh as his early leaders.
“I guess from the moment I stepped through the doors it was those senior players who played a pivotal role in teaching me what the rigours of AFL footy was all about,” he reflected.
Rampe added, “They taught me about the standards that you have to create for yourself, the benchmark and the standards that we have as a club.”
The defender also forged friendships with the likes of former Sydney Swans skipper Josh Kennedy and premiership player Dan Hannebery, who Rampe says had a “big influence on my career”.
“It becomes clear after experiencing the highs and lows, particularly the lows, that friendships, connections and moments of camaraderie are what footy is all about.”
Under the wing of senior players Rampe evolved into a leader himself, joining Kennedy and Luke Parker as co-captains in 2019 and leading through two COVID-affected seasons. In 2022, Callum Mills joined the co-captain group in place of the retired Josh Kennedy, before taking the reins solo from season 2024.
In his 12th season, Rampe admits that much of his love for AFL now comes from seeing the success of up-and-coming athletes.
“As you get to the stage of my career you just derive so much joy from watching these young players thrive. I was speaking with Lloydy (Jake Lloyd) and Parksy (Luke Parker) about it the other day – it’s kind of why we play now,” he shared.
Games that stand out to Rampe are also fan favourites. Round 1 in 2015 when the Swans came from 34 points behind at three-quarter time to beat Essendon, the 2022 Preliminary Final against Collingwood and most recently, the stunning victory over GWS in the 2024 Qualifying Final.
“Sydney have wrapped their arms around us,” he said, referencing the 2024 season. “We can feel the energy building.”
Rampe will play his 250th career match on a momentous occasion – a Preliminary Final against Port Adelaide on the SCG. His on-field leadership and communication will be crucial to the team’s success. Yet despite having appeared in 10 AFL finals series, the significance of running out of the Paul Kelly race is not lost on him.
“I always take a moment in the warmup to have a look around and just take it all in."
