Dane Rampe doesn’t try to overcomplicate things.
The reliable defender, and one of three new members of the leadership group, takes a simplistic approach to football, which has proven productive given the 25-year-old has played in all but two games in the past three seasons.
“I just love being out there and playing footy,” he said.
“I don’t place too much pressure on myself. The key things are just enjoyment and remembering where I’ve come from and we go on from there.”
It wasn’t long ago when everyone was learning about Rampe’s origins.
From the eastern suburbs of Sydney, to be exact, playing suburban football for UNSW after a brief stint in the VFL – or the long way round – which ultimately led to a rookie contract with the Swans.
Rampe has enjoyed a seamless rise since then, becoming an integral part of the Swans’ back six before this year earning a distinguished position in the leadership group alongside Dan Hannebery and Heath Grundy.
His football seems to improve with every summer that goes by, while on the eve of the new season his dash from defence and penetrating kick has taken on new importance.
And it’s because of Rhyce Shaw and Adam Goodes’ retirements, two members from last year’s leadership group, Rampe realised that his time had come to take yet another big step forward in his promising career.
“Seeing Goodesy and Shawry leave last year and in reflection during the off-season, I really thought someone had to step up and take it upon themselves,” he said.
“Myself, Hanners (Hannebery) and Reggie (Grundy) have really stepped up in that area.
“It’s not something we were consciously aware of; I think it’s just the natural progression for players developing.
“Once players get to 50 or 100 games under their belt, they’re looking for the next stage and that’s to lead.”
With the leadership role comes a heightened responsibility, which Rampe is confident of fulfilling without changing his ways too much.
He added: “It’s something I’m pretty proud of but I can’t get too carried away with it. I’ve still got to play my role and keep enjoying my footy.”
