The 22-year-old, who hails from Clovelly in Sydney’s east, was elevated from the rookie list this week and will make his AFL debut this Saturday at ANZ Stadium.
Speaking to SwansTV, Rampe said he was ‘itching’ to get out on field for the team he grew up supporting.
“I’m just unbelievably proud and really excited,” Rampe said.
“I guess this week I was coming in with a bit of anticipation as to what was going to happen with first the elevation, and over the last few days I’ve just been waiting to see if I made that final team.
“To have four games in the NAB Cup was just unbelievable, but to take that next step and to be playing gives me a lot of confidence in knowing that they’ve got the confidence in me.
“Being here playing for the team I love and grew up supporting is just unbelievable and I’m just having so much fun doing it.”
Rampe’s road to his AFL debut has not been easy after falling short of NSW/ACT Rams selection as a teenager.
He then moved south to Melbourne, where he completed two pre-seasons with the Western Bulldogs and played for VFL side Williamstown before returning home to play for local side UNSW/ES Bulldogs in the Sydney AFL league.
“As soon as school finished I went down to Melbourne to chase the footy thing and I didn’t really get a go up here (in Sydney) with the NSW Rams in the under-18s,” Rampe said.
“I went down there and really slaved away in terms of work and playing full time VFL footy, which is still a pretty bit commitment and I was doing that by myself and just away from my networks, which I think did affect me mentally more than I expected, especially first year out of school.
“Just looking back on that and just those three years down there that I did, I didn’t enjoy it but obviously it was really important for my development.”
Knowing it could be his last chance, Rampe stepped up his game in 2012 and starred in the Sydney AFL league for the Bulldogs taking out the Phelan Medal as the League’s best and fairest player, and was offered a chance to train with the Swans this pre-season.
“I knew I had to be in tip-top shape coming back from pre-season and I knew this would be my last chance, so I went 110 per cent even before the season and once I got there and got into the groove I didn’t want to stop,” he said.
Now set to make his debut in his home city, Rampe said he is expecting to see more than just a few of his friends and family in the stands at ANZ Stadium this weekend.
“I don’t know (how many are coming) yet because I only just found out this morning, but in anticipation I’ve got a stack of tickets,” he said.
“I’m hoping to get rid of them all and I’m really happy that the game is here in Sydney.
“I don’t ask my mates to come to too many things, but this is one that I’m going to be demanding they come to.”
