Oliver Florent was 16 when professional football was in his sight. Nearly 10 years later, he is set to play his 150^th career game with the Sydney Swans.

Florent was recruited to the club during the 2016 AFL Draft with pick 11. The defender made his debut almost immediately when he appeared in Round of the 2017 AFL season. But in a different life, it was tennis that could have been his calling.

“If I wasn’t playing AFL, I’d be a tennis coach,” he told Sydney Swans Media for On the Mark, a series profiling our athletes.

“I’d be playing just for fun but then also coaching. I think it's just really fun being out on the tennis court.”

The court wasn’t just where he developed a unique athletic ability – his footwork and run an important part of his game – but where he fostered a strong connection with his family.

“Playing tennis tournaments as a kid was something that was really good to do as a family, playing with aunt, little brother and mum,” Florent said.

“I love going [home] when I can, spending time with them and I guess catching up on life.”

It’s the same commitment to his family and friends that he brings to the field. Like many draftees Florent was forced to move states to pursue a professional career. Learning that independence, he says, was “the best thing I’ve ever done.”

This week Florent re-signed with the Swans for another five years, keeping him at the club until at least 2029.

“When I first rocked up to the footy club and having to be on time with everything is what I learned the hard way,” he admitted, adding, “The discipline that comes with being a professional athlete.

“The attention to detail is something that I didn't take so seriously coming into the environment and now you understand why.”

The defender’s preparation for his 150^th game will be no different to any other match – even for the hotly-anticipated Sydney Derby XXVII.

“I like to keep my mind at ease. I find if I have a lot of superstitions then I get a bit stressed, but I like to chill and listen to some nice calming music and then when the time's right, I listen to the techno and get out there.”

The Sydney Swans will clash with the GWS Giants on Saturday, May 4 from 1:45pm.

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