‘Accidents happen’: Sydney Swans confident of Dane Rampe’s chances at AFL Tribunal

Facing two weeks on the sidelines, the Swans are hopeful that a last-minute change in direction from the Bulldogs’ Lachie McNeil will be a winning argument at the Tribunal.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JULY 13: Swans head coach John Longmire celebrates with Dane Rampe of the Swans after victory during the round 18 AFL match between Sydney Swans and Western Bulldogs at Sydney Cricket Ground, on July 13, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

The Swans are confident that a late change in direction by the Bulldogs’ Lachie McNeil could save Dane Rampe from two weeks on the sidelines.

Rampe was hit with a two-match suspension following an off-the-ball incident involving McNeil in the first quarter of last Thursday’s clash. McNeil was later diagnosed with delayed signs of concussion leading to the severity of Rampe’s ban.

However, the nature of the collision has convinced Sydney to fight the charge at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.

“Dane was doing what he needs to do which is getting in a position to try and get up the ground and spoil,” said John Longmire.

“There’s a last-minute change of direction and unfortunately, accidents happen in football.

“We understand the first instance of the MRO looking at it, but every instance is different, and you have to look at the context. The Bulldogs player was leading to the ball, pointing at the ball.”

Dane Rampe could face two weeks on the sidelines if unsuccessful at the Tribunal. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Longmire is a supporter of the AFL’s crackdown on high contact and has previously spoken this season about whether it’s time for a rethink around the send-off rule.

However, he did feel that it was important to draw a clear line in the sand between footy incidents and things that can be avoided.

“We understand where the game is going on all this,” Longmire said. “[But] it’s very hard to legislate against everything, particularly football actions.

“Dane was doing what he should be doing which is getting up the ground. [McNeil] had his hand out, pointing in the direction where he wanted to lead the left footer to kick it to him.

“The most important thing is the player is okay and once again though, these things can happen in a game of footy.”

The Swans will definitely be without Lewis Melican after he suffered a hamstring injury. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

If Rampe is unsuccessful at the Tribunal, it will leave the Swans without two key defenders. Lewis Melican suffered a hamstring against the Bulldogs and is set for at least three weeks on the sidelines.

Aaron Francis is set to be Melican’s replacement after being left out of Sydney’s VFL side on the weekend.

However, the Swans are set to be boosted by the return of key midfielder Chad Warner for their trip to Perth.

Warner hasn’t played since the round 15 win over West Coast and will be hopeful of making a comeback in his home state.

“He did some training today (Monday) and the plan is to be able to train again on Wednesday and hopefully be available to play,” said Longmire.

The nine-day turnaround for Sydney has also benefited Buddy Franklin who is likely to back-up after his two-goal performance against the Bulldogs.

Chad Warner is set to return for the Swans for their crucial match against Fremantle. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The news isn’t as good for Rising Star nominee Angus Sheldrick whose season is potentially over after undergoing ankle surgery.

Sheldrick suffered a syndesmosis injury in the first quarter against Richmond but bravely played through the match.

“Not many players play on with a syndesmosis like he did in that game,” Longmire said.

“Unfortunately, when we looked at it a bit later in the week, we just thought it wasn’t going to heal up naturally.

“It’s unfortunate. He’s coming through as a young midfielder that we’re really looking forward to seeing how he developed, and he was doing a good job.”

Originally published as ‘Accidents happen’: Sydney Swans confident of Dane Rampe’s chances at AFL Tribunal