Blossoming Swans midfielder Oliver Florent says Sydney will relish the chance to play at the MCG in a clash with Melbourne on Sunday afternoon.
The Swans will return to the biggest stage of all for just the second time this season as they search for a second win in a row.
Young forward Ben Ronke snared seven goals when they last paid a visit to the MCG, helping Sydney to a heart-stopping eight-point win over Hawthorn in Round 8.
Florent says the Swans are keenly awaiting the MCG match.
“We don’t get many opportunities to play at the MCG but when we do we always look forward to having a good slog on that ground,” Florent told SwansTV.
“We’ve had some great wins at the MCG and we’re really looking forward to Sunday.”
Melbourne is placed fourth on the ladder ahead of Round 21 and has won four of its past five games, including a 96-point victory over the Gold Coast Suns at the MCG last Sunday.
Wins over potential finals contenders North Melbourne, Essendon and Adelaide are among a host of big scalps the Demons have claimed this season.
They cruised to a 91-point win over 2017 runner-up Adelaide in Alice Springs in Round 10.
Florent says the Swans are aware of the challenge the Demons pose.
“We know they’re a strong side and we’re going to have to bring our best to beat them on the weekend,” Florent said.
“We’ve come up against them in recent years and got the win at the MCG, which is a good result, and hopefully we can do it again.”
Melbourne lays claim to one of the most fearsome midfields in the competition.
The Demons are ranked first in the AFL in contested possessions, inside 50s and hit-outs per game, while they’re placed second in disposals and third in tackles.
All-Australian ruckman Max Gawn leads the way with his elite tap work, with captain Nathan Jones and fellow on-ballers Clayton Oliver and Angus Brayshaw supplying the side’s forward line with high-quality service.
But Florent said the Swans would concentrate their attention on their own game.
“I think the key for us is to stick to our game plan and stick to our strengths, rather than focus on their players,” Florent said.
“We have such a good midfield and we really back ourselves to beat them in the midfield contest.”
Florent has starred in his second season in Swans colours, looking at ease in a switch from the forward line to the midfield and collecting a Rising Star nomination on the way.
The 20-year-old took out the Round 11 Rising Star nomination after producing an eye-catching performance in Sydney’s win over Carlton at the SCG.
He said he had welcomed the change of position with open arms.
“It’s been great to work alongside the captain (Josh Kennedy) and my mentor is Dan Hannebery,” Florent said.
“He’s been helping me out with my role and it’s held me in good stead.
“I’m still playing a little bit in the forward line but mainly in the midfield and on the wing, which is a new role for me.
“I’m really happy to be playing any role in the team.”
