Dane Rampe

Born in Sydney on June 2, 1990, Dane Rampe’s career in Australian Rules Football began at a later age than many of his peers. Despite being overlooked in several drafts, his determination led him to gain valuable experience in the Victorian Football League (VFL) with Williamstown, where he participated in the 2011 VFL Grand Final. In 2012, after returning to Sydney, he joined the UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs in the Sydney AFL, where his exceptional performance earned him the Phelan Medal as the league’s best player. This achievement, combined with his background in the Swans Academy, ultimately led to him being drafted onto Sydney’s rookie list at the age of 22 in the 2012 AFL draft.

Rampe made his AFL debut in Round 1 of 2013 and quickly established himself within the team, playing 23 games in his inaugural season. His consistent performance and leadership qualities were recognized in 2016 when he was named All-Australian. Further demonstrating his impact on the team, Rampe was appointed co-captain for the Sydney Swans in 2019, a role he maintained until 2023. During his tenure as co-captain, he received the Bob Skilton Medal in 2019, an award acknowledging the Swans’ best and fairest player. His durability and courage were highlighted in 2020 when, despite sustaining a broken hand, he continued to play for four more games, an act for which he was awarded the Robert Rose Award for Most Courageous Player.

Over his career, Rampe has played more than 250 games for the Sydney Swans, showcasing his importance as a medium defender. His journey reflects significant career progression from being an undrafted player to a key leader and decorated athlete in the AFL. He will play his 13th season with the Swans, providing invaluable experience to the squad. His career highlights include multiple team and individual accolades, affirming his status as a respected figure in Australian Rules Football.