Dane Rampe retires after 289 games for Sydney Swans
The 36-year-old defender's final appearance came as captain in Sydney's preliminary final defeat to Fremantle.
Sydney defender Dane Rampe has announced his AFL retirement at 36, ending a career spanning 289 games after leading the Swans into their preliminary final against Fremantle.
Rampe said the decision had been difficult, but he felt he had nothing more to give. He described his career with pride and gratitude, saying the relationships he had formed were his most meaningful achievements.
The former co-captain took over the leadership after Callum Mills sustained an ACL injury during Sydney's semi-final victory over Brisbane. The loss to Fremantle proved to be Rampe's last appearance.
Sydney recruited Rampe through the rookie draft in 2012 when he was 22. His AFL debut followed in 2013, and he shared the captaincy between 2019 and 2023 with Luke Parker and Josh Kennedy.
His individual honours included All-Australian selection in 2016 and the 2019 Bob Skilton Medal. He played in four losing grand finals without winning a premiership.
At the end of 2025, Sydney returned both Rampe and fellow defender Jake Lloyd to its rookie list. Rampe then helped the club finish second in the home-and-away season. Lloyd has signed for a 15th season.
