“Greatest privilege”: Former Swans skipper calls it a day

Dane Rampe has announced his retirement from AFL football.

The Sydney Swans great has opted to call time on his 14-year career which delivered 289 games, one Bob Skilton Medal and one All-Australian blazer.

Dependable defender Rampe co-captained the Swans between 2019 and 2023, and served as stand-in skipper during the finals series this year as 36-year-old.

“I grew up dreaming of wearing the red and white,” Rampe said via a club statement.

“The Sydney Swans felt like home long before I ever walked through the door, and to have not only played for this club, but to have led it, has been perhaps the greatest privilege of my life.

“This has been an incredibly hard decision to make. I have given every part of my heart and soul to this place, and as much as I wish it were otherwise, I simply have nothing left to give. I share this not from a place of exhaustion or defeat, but from one of overwhelming pride and gratitude.

“I have been afforded far more from my career than I ever could have imagined. The experiences, the lessons and the growth that came from the incredible highs and devastating lows transcend football, and I will carry them with me for the rest of my life. I would not change a thing.

“Ultimately, it is the people and the relationships I have forged that I cherish the most. These connections are without doubt my most meaningful achievements. In the coming months, I look forward to thanking the players, coaches, staff and fans in the way each of them truly deserves.

“To the South Melbourne and Sydney Swans family, thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing this journey with me. I hope I did you, and the jumper, proud.”

Rampe was drafted with Pick 37 in the 2013 rookie draft. He debuted in Round 1 of the 2013 season against GWS.

The Clovelly product was a dominant winner of the 2019 Bob Skilton, beating George Hewett and Luke Parker. He was fourth in 2020, sixth in 2018, fifth in 2016 and sixth in 2015.

He was named in the 2016 All-Australian team in the back pocket and also made the 2019 squad of 40.

Rampe's games tally has him sitting seventh on the club’s all-time list including South Melbourne.