Once again, Swans fans are waking up ruing what could’ve been.
Acting Sydney captain Dane Rampe admitted his club’s 60-point mauling at the hands of the Brisbane Lions has left him with a worse feeling than after the Swans’ similarly anaemic grand final loss to Geelong two years ago.
A dejected Dane Rampe speaks on stage after going to the Lions.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
While the Cats were clearly the standout side in 2022, all the way to their 81-point win over Sydney in the decider, Rampe felt this season’s Swans were that team, claiming the minor premiership before earning swift passage to the big one by beating Greater Western Sydney in the qualifying final and Port Adelaide in the preliminary final.
“On the back of what we felt was a good, quality prep – where we were at peace with how we went about things – it probably makes it (2024) a little bit harder (than 2022), if I’m being honest,” said Rampe, who now has a 0-4 record in grand finals, having also lost to Hawthorn (2014) and the Western Bulldogs (2016).
Swans fans at the SCG live site couldn’t bear to look.Credit: Flavio Brancaleone
“I’m not (able to rationalise it) at the moment.
“The emotions are still pretty raw. I don’t know what to make of it.
“We’re at peace knowing our preparation was as good as it’s been.
“Unfortunately I’ve been in this position a few times, but I’m completely at peace with our prep, which I guess is what makes it so hollow – we don’t know where we went wrong.”
