Sydney co-captain Dane Rampe has been dealt a two-match ban for an off-the-ball hit on Western Bulldogs midfielder Lachlan McNeil, in a blow for the Swans as they search to make a late AFL finals push.
Rampe was charged with tough conduct over the incident, which occurred throughout the first quarter of the Swans’ thrilling two-point win on the SCG on Thursday.
The outcome, sealed by Tom Papley’s late purpose in coach John Longmire’s three hundredth match on the helm, saved Sydney (7-1-9) within the finals equation.
But Rampe’s ban has taken a few of the gloss off the triumph.
The skilled defender bumped McNeil, who was not braced for contact, and despatched his opponent crashing to the turf away from the play.
The league’s match overview officer on Friday graded Rampe’s actions as careless conduct, excessive influence and excessive contact.
Rampe missed two months with a neck damage earlier this season however has featured in Sydney’s previous six video games.
The 33-year-old is now set to overlook away matches towards Fremantle (Optus Stadium) and Essendon (Marvel Stadium).
Rampe final month signed a two-year contract extension, tying him to the Swans till the top of 2025.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
