Following an inconsistent start to the season, Rampe said the team rallied in the days leading up to the Dockers’ clash and reiterated some important truths about what it meant to play for the Swans.
“The big focus of (last) week was just to be a united bunch,” Rampe told reporters on Tuesday.
“Our trademark football is playing hard and as a team for each other and for the ‘Bloods’ jumper.
“Looking at the match, we couldn’t ask for much more than the effort we gave.
“We got back to that on the weekend and I thought it was a really good response from the boys after what had been a lot of pressure.”
Rampe was one of a number of Swans who produced a strong response in Saturday’s match, with the 23-year-old named in the club’s best, with 22 possessions and a game high eight one-per-centers.
Following what was arguably his best game in 25 appearances in the red and white, the defender said he felt he was learning and improving with every game played.
“I was pretty happy with how I went, to be honest,” he said.
“I’m feeling a lot more confident and comfortable out there, but I guess that just comes from experience.
“I’ve got a great bunch of leaders who help me and direct me, and I have a great backline to work with, and I think the combination of those things and experience has really helped me.”
With a carefree attitude and a big support network of family and friends around him, the Sydney-born player said he felt his confidence was also at an all-time high.
“I’m just really enjoying being out there and I think that translates to my footy,” Rampe said.
“I’m not taking things too seriously.
“It really does help playing with my family and my friends around and just my lifestyle suits up here.”
The Swans travel south on Friday afternoon ahead of Saturday night’s round six clash with Melbourne at the MCG.
Rampe said last week’s team performance would only mean something if the Swans were able to produce the same level of effort against the Demons in round six.
“Our challenge is to back up that effort,” he said.
“Last year we had a really good win in Adelaide and then had the break and came back to play Port Adelaide and got our pants pulled down.
“That’s our challenge now and I think the start of the season has shown that the competition is really even.”
