A long-term injury to key defender Alex Johnson created an opportunity for new recruit Dane Rampe this season, but the 22-year-old is determined to be more than just a ‘fill-in’ player for the Sydney Swans.

When Johnson went down in the pre-season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, it was Rampe who stepped up and worked his way from the rookie list to the senior squad and now has five AFL games under his belt.

Speaking to sydneyswans.com.au at the Sydney Swans Ladies Lunch, made possible by QBE, Rampe said he aspired to become a regular in the senior team this year.

“I don’t want to be a fill-in and I want to try and create my own role,” Rampe said.

“I’d like to think that when AJ comes back that we could definitely be in the same line-up.

“What works for both me and him is that we’re both pretty versatile in terms of that we can play on some taller opponents and then some smaller ones as well.

“I’m trying to learn as much as I can from both the Teddy Richards and the Heath Grundys, and then the Nick Smiths and Rhyce Shaws, who are smaller lock-down-type players as well.

“I think what I need to bring is a defence-first attitude and compete, and that’s what’s been getting me a game at the moment.”

Rampe faces another tough challenge in defence this weekend when the Swans take on the Fremantle on Saturday night at the SCG.

The young defender said he expected to share the duty of matching up on the Dockers’ talented small forwards with fellow defender Nick Smith on the weekend.

“I’m expecting a smaller opponent because they’ve got a small forward line, so it will be a (Hayden) Ballantyne or (Michael) Walters-type of player,” he said.

“Smooch (Smith) and I have done a bit of work during the week and some research on those players, but what happens on game day, I’m not too sure yet.

“I know I’ve got a challenge ahead.”

After a disappointing result last weekend against Hawthorn, Rampe said a strong performance tomorrow night would go a long way towards getting the Swans back on track.

“I think it’s just a good opportunity for us to bounce back, and being a Saturday night at home we really want to make a statement that we’re not what we dished up last week and that we’re ready to go,” he said.

“We really want to start getting some serious momentum into our season.”

Rampe and his team mates enjoyed an afternoon off ahead of tomorrow night at the annual Ladies Lunch, which was this year held at Doltone House, Darling Harbour.

“It’s been a great day and I love everything about the Ladies Lunch,” Rampe said.

“The food is great, the people are great, and I’m getting an extra bit of attention which I’m not used to.”