In summary:
Fleet-footed midfielder Oliver Florent claimed the Rising Star award at the 2018 Club Champion Dinner to ice a glittering breakthrough season.
The 20-year-old second-year Swan, who also finished equal fifth in the AFL’s Rising Star award, made a seamless transition from the forward line to the midfield in 2018.
The move saw Florent bring pace and tidy use of the footy to Sydney’s midfield, making for a perfect match on the wing with the relentless inside work of the likes of Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker.
Florent averaged 17 disposals per match and strung together six games in a row of 20-plus touches between Rounds 8 and 13.
He also rose to the occasion at a number of critical moments, including at the death against the Dogs in Round 4 when he sealed a Swans win with a thrilling goal on the run.
What the numbers say:
Games: 23
Kicks: 216
Handballs: 168
Disposals: 384
Clearances: 43
Inside 50s: 56
Marks: 66
Tackles: 56
AFL Fantasy: 63.0 (average)
Best performance:
Round 13: Sydney Swans v West Coast Eagles, SCG
Florent collected a perfect three Brownlow Medal votes as the Swans toppled the Eagles in Round 13. The youngster recorded a game-high 29 disposals in the 15-point win.
What they said:
Oliver Florent
“Being around the older payers, seeing what they do, being a sponge has really helped me take my game to the next level. With what they do off the field, on the field, on the training track, with their recovery – just taking notes on that helped me a lot."
Midfield coach Brett Kirk
“This year he’s really grown as an AFL player. I think he’s really got his head around what the demands of the game are and if you want to be a great player what you need to do. There are some great examples around the Club. He’s really got to work with that and his footy this year was really consistent for a second-year player.”
In pictures:
Catch me if you can: Oliver Florent motors away from an opposition player in the Swans' clash with the Roos in Round 7.
Crash and bash: Oliver Florent and Richmond's Jason Castagna collide in Round 15.
Oliver Florent with (from left) John Blakey and Peter Weinert after claiming the 2018 Rising Star award at the Club Champion Dinner.
Stay tuned for more season reviews at sydneyswans.com.au over the coming weeks.
