Swans defender Dane Rampe has extended his stay in the Harbour City, with the veteran backman understood to have signed on until the end of 2023.

Rampe would have been among a bevy of Sydney players able to enter free agency this year, with a total of 10 Swans among the 104 players eligible at the end of this year.

Having seen his position as Sydney co-captain extended, AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey has revealed that the 31-year-old has also penned a new deal until the conclusion of next season.

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Following a year of ascendency under senior coach John Longmire, the Swans' hopes of returning to premiership contention have been bolstered by Rampe's decision to add another 12 months to his nine-year spell with the Bloods.

The Sydney-born backman has played 190 games for Sydney since being recruited through the 2012 Rookie Draft, having won All-Australian and best and fairest honours with the club.

Rampe and star onballer Luke Parker will be joined by defensive-minded midfielder Callum Mills in leading the Swans this year, with veteran Josh Kennedy stepping down from his leadership duties.

Kennedy joins fellow Sydney stalwarts Lance Franklin, Isaac Heeney and Jake Lloyd in being among those able to test the free agency waters in 2022.

Harry Cunningham, Sam ReidSam NaismithRobbie FoxLewis Taylor and new SSP recruit Paddy McCartin will also qualify for free agency.

The Swans will begin their 2022 campaign against Greater Western Sydney at Accor Stadium on Saturday, March 19.