Stand-in captain Dane Rampe will play his 25th AFL final game in tonight’s Preliminary Final against Fremantle at the SCG. Moving him to outright fourth in the club's all-time finals appearances.  

After drawing level with Ryan O’Keefe for finals appearances in last fortnight's Qualifying Final against Brisbane, Rampe will overtake the two-time premiership winner on Friday night and sit only behind Adam Goodes (28), Jarrad McVeigh (28) and Jude Bolton (26) in the all-time standings.

Jake Lloyd has also moved up into sixth, tied with Ted Richards at 21 finals appearances. 

Rampe’s entry into professional football wasn’t typical of many household names. In fact, it’s a tale of unwavering perseverance and commitment – attributes that Rampe has become known for during his tenure with the Sydney Swans.  

Rampe was denied at four national drafts until he landed a spot at the club with pick 37 in the 2013 AFL rookie draft. The then 22-year-old made his debut almost immediately in Round 1 of the 2013 season before making his finals debut against Hawthorn in a Qualifying Final at the MCG later that season.  

Rampe has featured in some of the biggest and most memorable games for the Swans over the past decade. Including an Elimination Final win against Essendon in 2017 after the team started the season 0-6, a one-point Preliminary Final win against Collingwood in 2022 and a famous derby win over the Giants in the 2024 Qualifying Final.  

The 2020 AFLPA Robert Rose Most Courageous Award recipient has displayed his leadership and courage time and time again over the course of his 288-game career. Having featured in four Grand Finals (2014, 2016,2022 & 2024), Rampe is still in search of his first premiership. 

The stand-in captain will lead out the Bloods in a final once again on Friday night having done so previously in 2022 and 2024 and with a place in the 2026 decider up for grabs, the Swans faithful know the effort the 36-year-old will put. 

“It’s an absolute privilege, and it was for the entire time that I did it a couple of years ago, and running out, leading the boys is going to be an absolute pleasure,” Rampe said. 

“It's a thrill, it's a privilege. It's a little bit bittersweet, to be honest, but this is the circumstance we've been dealt, and we've just got to keep on keeping on.” 

Sydney Swans all time finals played 

1. Adam Goodes 28 finals 
2. Jarrad McVeigh 28 finals 
3. Jude Bolton 26 finals 
4. DANE RAMPE 25 FINALS 
5. Ryan O’Keefe 24 finals  
6. Ted Richards 21 finals  
    JAKE LLOYD 21 FINALS