Despite a loss to the Melbourne Demons at the MCG in Round 8, a proud Sydney Swans co-captain Dane Rampe says the side can take plenty of confidence from the clash.
Matching it with the undefeated, top of the table Dees side for the majority of the clash, Rampe says that whilst the Swans were disappointed to lose, he couldn’t be prouder of the side’s efforts.
“They were too good tonight but I think we can take a lot of confidence out of the fact we matched it with a team that haven’t lost this year,” Rampe said.
“It’s pretty disappointing to lose, but we had a red hot crack and I couldn’t be prouder of the boys efforts.”
‘It will give us confidence going forward. We’ve showed we can match it with big teams, on the big stage out here on the MCG. I’m pretty gutted but also buoyed by the fact we are capable and still have time to work on our craft this year.”
The Swans went down by 9-points, but after a goalless second quarter, showed plenty of character to claw themselves to within just four points at the start of the final quarter.
Rampe said that whilst he and the senior players always had belief in the side, he could see that belief and confidence start to filter through to the rest of the squad
“I have plenty of confidence in this group but I think the most important thing is they are starting to believe it and feel it as well,” he said.
“As senior players, we have to keep driving that and keep sticking to the process.
“We learn, refine our craft and get better because hopefully we will be there about at the end of the year.”
Rampe missed the last three games due to a finger injury sustained in early April.
The inspirational defender finished with 21 disposals and one tackle in his return.
“I have been blown away, to be honest, with our south Melbourne support the last couple of MCG games,” Rampe said of the Swans support in Melbourne.
“I am really excited to be back. It’s a little bit easier to miss a few games when we are not doing too well, but after that win over Geelong last week, it didn’t matter what the surgeon said, I was back playing regardless.”
“I wasn’t going to miss out on another performance like that, but it was good to be back out there.”
