Mid-sized defender Dane Rampe admits to looking at the game a little differently now he’s part of the Sydney Swans leadership group.
Rampe was one of three additions voted into the leadership group, along with Dan Hannebery and Heath Grundy. The eight-man unit was elected in a player poll held during last month’s pre-season camp in Coffs Harbour.
Known for his left-of-centre take on footy and life, the 25-year-old acknowledged that the extra responsibility and expectation placed on him has forced a “natural” shift in the way Rampe approached the NAB Challenge.
“A little bit, as much as I’ve tried not to,” Rampe said.
“I was voted in on the back of playing my role for the team so locking that down first has been at the forefront of my mind.
“I think you can’t help but start looking elsewhere and looking at more ways of helping players in different areas, that’s just the natural progression of a new leader.
“That what I’ve been looking to improve on and look to take into this season.”
The promotion, Rampe says, spoke volumes in regards to how much respect and confidence he’s earned from the playing group since his rookie elevation in 2013.
Rampe has missed only four games in the past three seasons and has become a key cog in the Swans’ experienced defensive group.
It’s an exceptional achievement considering he was overlooked in two drafts before eventually finding his way onto the rookie list.
“The fact it was a player vote made me realise they do value my opinion and what I say,” he said.
“A lot of the boys have followed a traditional pathway or upbringing in the game and might be more acquainted to different tactics and game plans than me.
“I feel my strength lies in, not so much the footy talk, but the simple things like being in the moment and just enjoying playing footy.”
Rampe’s versatility and competitiveness are other key strengths which are highly regarded by senior coach John Longmire, as confirmed in an interview with Fox Footy’s AFL Tonight recently.
Longmire is considering playing Rampe as a key defender in next week’s season opener against Collingwood as a replacement for Ted Richards who is battling a calf issue.
Heeney eyes midfield move
In the event Richards doesn’t play in the SCG blockbuster, Rampe’s role could be changed to help combat the Magpies’ forward line.
It wouldn’t be the first time, with Rampe having played on key forwards like West Coast’s Josh Kennedy and Richmond’s Jack Riewoldt in previous seasons.
“I enjoy the challenge,” Rampe said of the potential move. “Horse (Longmire) installed his confidence in me from early on and it’s something I take pride in.”
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