It's been a special journey for Will Hayward and Ollie Florent since their arrival at the Sydney Swans in 2016, with the duo have forging a lifelong friendship on and off the field.
Celebrating his 100th game in the red and white against the Brisbane Lions on Sunday afternoon, Florent took a moment to reflect on a career that has been highlighted by the friendships and memories made over the last six years.
Hayward, who is on the verge of achieving the same feat with 96 matches to his name, spoke of enormous pride for his best-mate Florent who has overcome a mountain of challenges to be where he is today.
"To play in Ollie's 100th was amazing. We were drafted together as 18 years olds, and to think five or six years I was playing in his 100th game is something really special and something I hold close to my heart," Hayward said.
"It's something we will cherish forever - they're the games you definitely want to play in.
"When wewere drafted, our families met each other and we have stuck by each other since then. We have always been best mates and he's just a really good guy who comes from a good family.
"I'm really fortunate to have him as one of my good mates."
It's fitting that Hayward and Florent will celebrate their 100th game around the same time given they made their AFL debuts together in Round 1 of the 2017 season
Florent says he has cherished every moment he has spent since he was drafted at pick no.11 of the 2016 AFL Draft, and credits his team-mates for making his career so rewarding.
"Playing with the guys 100 times is something that I love doing and it means a lot to me to play 100 games for this club," Florent said.
"To be on the journey with them, and going down our own path in a way but we're also doing it together, is something that is really special to me.
"They're such ripping guys and i wouldn't be here with out them."
While the pair have enjoyed success together in the famous red and white guernsey, they are now making their mark away from the field with their side project 'Doozy Drinks'.
Launching in December 2021, the idea came to fruition during the club's hub experience in 2020 and has slowly developed into a hobby that has taken the world by storm.
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Alongside Hayward's brother, Harry, and marketing agency Richards Rose, the duo are enjoying a new passion that allows them to have a better balance outside of their football commitments.
"Doozy is something that we started in the Hub in Perth a few years ago," Hayward said.
"We got it off the ground in December last year and it is something that we have worked on for a long time and something we're really proud of.
"It's something that anyone in Australia can now buy, through Booze Bud. It's been a bit of fun and something we're enjoying off the field and keeps us busy."
Florent also says he is proud to be working hard at something he is passionate about.
"It's keeping us pretty busy off the field and it's nice to have that work/life balance and have that break away from football," Florent said.
"I think just doing something outside of footy is something that some players forget to do, but I'm glad that Will and I are putting our foot in the door and having a crack at something that we're proud of."
