Rampe and fellow Swans building post-football careers

Dane Rampe only made the decision to commit to a full degree three years ago, but like his AFL career, time has worked in his favour.

The now 31-year-old did not follow the conventional path from AFL draft to the big time, overlooked as a prospect at 18.

It was not until after winning the Sydney AFL Premier Division with UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs in 2012 that he was rookie listed at 22, and has gone on to claim the Swans’ best and fairest, play in two AFL Grand Finals and captain the club.

Such is the case with his career ambitions away from the Sherrin.

Rampe has completed a Graduate Certificate in Commerce at UNSW now enabling him to pursue a Master of Commerce.

“I wanted to do something that complemented the skills I had learnt off the field (through) my involvement with the Swans,” said Rampe, who has just started his 10th preseason with the club.

“I took up the opportunity to do a Masters at the start of this year where I will focus on International Business.

“It can take time and maturity to really know what you want and what path you'd like to explore – that time came for me a few years back when I decided to commit to the (Graduate Certificate in Commerce)."

Rampe is but one example of the strong connection built between UNSW and the Sydney Swans, in recent years. James Rowbottom, Joel Amartey, Sam Wicks, Dylan Stephens and Hayden Mclean all join their co-captain as current UNSW students, with former Swans Dean Towers and Brandon Jack graduating this year.

Towers completed a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology at UNSW while Jack now has a Bachelor of Arts to his credit, majoring in Sociology and Creative Writing. 

“Deano and BJ are both great examples as to how to transition into life post-football.”

“Obviously, a major factor was the investment they made in their education from early on which I have no doubt assisted the ease of their transition."

Sydney Swans’ 2021 rising star Errol Gulden will recommence his Bachelor Arts degree in 2022.

"The Swans are great at ensuring we are proactive about what lies beyond footy," Rampe said.

Rampe explained that it was great to have “a growing group of predominantly young players” at the Swans committed to their education.

“I like to think that the best thing about our partnership (with UNSW) is that it’s a mutually beneficial one. We've got so much from our time at UNSW, and I think we've been able to give back at different stages over our journey as well,” he said.

Having spent time at other universities prior to his UNSW studies, Rampe lauded UNSW’s Elite Athlete Program as “the best” he has come across.

“I could not ask more of Helen Bryson and her team – they provide us with the flexibility we need to suit our schedule and I think most importantly, a strong support network in which best helps us get the most out of the time we do have at uni.”

Dane Rampe celebrates Sydney's round four victory over Essendon at the SCG on April 8, 2021, Getty Images