The 19-year-old has already developed a sound reputation as one of the club’s most professional and dedicated youngsters, traits that are sure to hold him in good stead for his second season on the list.
Adapting to the work ethic and training standards required is one of the biggest challenges young draftees face, but Ramsay says it was a message that was drummed into him long before he reached the bright lights of the Westpac Centre.
“I was training six days a week in my draft year so the expectations and things already came to me,” Ramsay explained to collingwoodfc.com.au.
“It came from my family, I think. The harder you work the more rewards you reap, so I just came into the club and did my thing really - put my head down and arse up and just earned the players’ respect.
“When sport started getting real serious I changed my diet and training and just had the mindset of if you really want to do it, you can do it. That was my mindset this year and last year.
“Hopefully this year’s a bit better.”
Ramsay is hoping for a change of luck in 2014 after managing only 10 VFL games as a result of several injuries at inopportune times.
“I broke my wrist in round one and had a couple of niggles after Utah,” he said.
“I got up for round one but then broke my wrist in the second quarter and didn’t play the rest of the game. I was out for about 12-13 weeks so it wasn’t the ideal year but I still ended up playing 10 games at the end of the year plus the final at Port Melbourne.
“The coaches were happy to get some games under my belt and now I hope to get bigger and fitter this year and put my hand up for selection.”
Senior selection is one of his main aims for 2014. Although he was the second youngest player on an AFL list this year, Ramsay’s tenacity and will-to-win made him a tough nut to crack on the half back flank at VFL level.
He is capable of shutting down opponents and is working on maximising his speed and agility to generate some rebound from the back half.
“I’ve sat down with Craig McRae and we’ve set some goals. I’ve set myself some goals with weight and games this year.
“Definitely I’d like to see himself playing as a small defender, playing on the small forwards and I think if I put a good pre-season in and get fitter and stronger hopefully I can put my hand up for round one, which was one of my goals.
“I’ve got to play some good footy through the NAB Cup and pre-season games and training and give myself the best chance to play round one.”
One thing is certain: Ramsay will never go wanting for role models.
He names three fellow West Australian backmen as those he is seeking to emulate.
“At the end of last year when I was playing games and at the start of this year, Heritier Lumumba was my mentor and my training partner.
“He’s regarded as the hardest trainer at the club so I want to model myself around him and also Alan Toovey and Marley Williams as well.
