Sydney Swans defender Dane Rampe has capped off his first year as a co-captain in style, claiming the prestigious Bob Skilton Medal in front of 900 guests at The Star on Tuesday night.

In season 2019, Rampe played 21 AFL games and averaged 20 disposals, six marks, seven rebound 50s and three tackles. 

It was a memorable year for Rampe who was named in the squad for the greatest NSW team of all time and was a member of the 40-man All Australian squad.

Rampe also claimed the Best Clubman award and the Players’ Player honour at the Club Champion Dinner, and was presented with Sydney Swans Life Membership.

The 29-year-old finished on 581 votes, ahead of rising star George Hewett (461) who finished runner-up to claim the inaugural Adam Goodes Trophy, and fellow co-captain Luke Parker (458) who was awarded the Peter Bedford Trophy. This season’s leading goal kicker, Tom Papley, who finished on 457 votes, and defender Callum Mills (429), rounded out the top five.

Born and bred in Sydney, the Swans recruited Rampe as a mature-age player through the rookie draft in 2012. 

He made an immediate impression in his first pre-season in red and white, making his debut in Round 1 the following year.

Rampe has gone on to play 159 games, feature in two grand finals and claim 2016 All Australian honours. Ahead of season 2019 he was appointed as a Sydney co-captain alongside Josh Kennedy and Parker.

Swans coach John Longmire said Rampe is a highly deserved recipient of the Club Champion award.

“From the moment Dane walked into the club you just couldn’t miss him. Not only did you see a blonde-headed surfer from Clovelly, he just worked so unbelievably hard and had this burning desire to get the best out of himself and his teammates,” Longmire said. 

“Appointed as a co-captain this year alongside Josh and Luke, Dane’s influence around the group went up another level. He really embraced the role and led from the front brilliantly. 

“Dane’s an incredibly popular player, he’s a fierce competitor, he’s a hard trainer, and he’s someone who our first-year recruits to seasoned campaigners look up to and respect tremendously. 

“Now a well-deserved Club Champion, Dane will no doubt continue to be a great leader around the club and do everything possible to put the team in a position to challenge again.”  

In what was an emotional event, the Sydney Swans also officially farewelled club greats Jarrad McVeigh, Kieren Jack, Heath Grundy and Nick Smith.

The 2012 premiership heroes all retired this year after decorated careers in red and white.

The quartet were presented with a special gift by Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham and coach Longmire, thanking them for their outstanding service to the club and the game over so many years. 

The top 10 finishing order for the 2019 Club Champion award is as follows:

Dane Rampe – 581 votes
George Hewett – 461 votes
Luke Parker – 458 votes
Tom Papley – 457 votes
Callum Mills – 429 votes
Isaac Heeney – 420 votes
Jake Lloyd – 408 votes
Aliir Aliir – 388 votes
Jordan Dawson – 383 votes
Josh Kennedy – 351 votes

Note: Club Champion votes were awarded by the five coaches: John Longmire, Brett Kirk, Dean Cox, Tadhg Kennelly and Steve Johnson. A player can be awarded a maximum of 50 votes per game, and coaches can allocate up to 10 points for as many or as few players as they deem appropriate, per match.

Other awards presented on the night included: 

Most Improved: Jordan Dawson 
Dawson made the most of his opportunities at senior level this year, playing 20 games and averaging 19 disposals, six marks and three tackles, as well as booting 15 goals. The 22-year-old was able to have an impact in various positions on the field and looks like a star of the future.

Rising Star: Nick Blakey 
Blakey wasted little time getting comfortable at AFL level after last year’s number 10 draft pick and QBE Sydney Swans Academy product was called up to make his debut in Round 1. He finished the season with 20 games, 15 goals and a host of exciting highlights. 

Best Clubman and Players’ Player: Dane Rampe
It was a night to remember for Rampe, who claimed the Bob Skilton Medal, Best Clubman and Players’ Player awards. He was also presented with Sydney Swans Life Membership after playing his 150^th AFL game during the season. 

NEAFL Player of the Year: James Bell
The QBE Sydney Swans Academy graduate was consistently named among the best players in the NEAFL as the team made a run to the preliminary final. Bell was rewarded with an AFL debut in Round 21, while he also featured at senior level the following week where he kicked his first AFL goal. 

QBE Sydney Swans Academy National Development Squad Player of the Year: Rory Barkley

Life Members: John Blakey, Dane Rampe, Dave Pearlman, Brad Spillane

John Yates Award: Darren Denneman 

The Sydney Swans also unveiled their number one ticket-holders for season 2020, with long-time supporters Michael and Margaret Joyce presented with the honour.