Having made his senior debut for Echuca United in 2022, the young, athletic tall graduated from the under-17s last season to play senior football full time, although it wasn’t exactly a straightforward transition.
Despite possessing all the attributes, Ramage was up against it early, unable to find a position on field that suited his talent.
“My first few rounds I was struggling a bit, just starting senior footy, I didn't really have the confidence,” he admitted.
“I started on the wing, and I wasn't really getting much of it, and then I was lucky enough to start rucking and it just built up my confidence, and I realised I've got a pretty good leap.
“It turned into a big season in the ruck, and I think I got a bit more recognition when I played there, that's probably where I got my pre-season invite."
That pre-season invite was to the Bendigo Pioneers, with the young Eagle one of more than 100 players asked to try out for a spot on the Coates Talent League outfit list.
It came as somewhat of a surprise to the 18-year-old, given the squad competes in an under-18 competition, although there are spots reserved for overage players, and Ramage seized the opportunity with both hands.
The young Echuca United ruckman has made his presence felt early, with his hard work rewarded with a spot in the side for round one this Sunday against Greater Western Victoria Rebels in Learmonth.
“It was a big shock to even get in the squad,” he said.
“I was lucky enough to get an invite to the pre-season squad during November, and I saw that opportunity and I just worked really hard.
“It was just step-by-step, just making the squad first and then getting a spot in round one is just the cherry on top, it's just perfect."
Ramage has put together an impressive body of work over the summer, relishing the chance to train in a professional set-up.
“I love it,” he said of being involved with the Pioneers.
“Obviously I'm super passionate about my footy, it's what I love to do.
“Just going somewhere where it's taken so seriously, and they track what you're doing and making sure you're doing everything right and really pushing you to your limits, I love that part of it.”
At the recent Coates Talent League testing day, which put over 450 young guns through their paces in a number of AFL combine style tests, Ramage more than made his mark.
A standing jump of 75cm was the equal fifth best of any player on the day, and his running vertical jump of 98cm was equal fourth best.
“My aim on the day was to obviously stand out in my vertical (leap),” he said.
“I didn’t expect to do that well in the running vertical, but I was pretty happy with it to be honest, I definitely didn't expect to get those numbers.”
Having been taken into the fold at the Pioneers for the first time, Ramage wants to make the most of his chance, but isn’t looking too far ahead, instead focusing on the short term.
“I think that every bloke that plays in the Coates League obviously wants to go all the way,” he said.
“I'll just see, I'll take it a game at a time and just see how I play. Hopefully there’s just bigger and bigger things coming.”
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