Rising Star Florent’s soaking up wisdom

THE last time Ollie Florent played at Etihad Stadium he produced one of the highlights of the year by kicking the sealer in the closing seconds of Sydney’s Round 4 win over the Western Bulldogs.

But this week’s Rising Star nominee has revealed that if he’s presented with the same scenario tomorrow night against St Kilda he will hold the ball up and run the clock down, rather than take the game on.

“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Florent, pictured above. “But if it happens again I’ll have to hold it up and keep possession.”

The electrifying last-gasp goal, when the Swans led by a point with 36 seconds remaining, divided opinion across the AFL. Paul Roos said it was the wrong thing to do under the circumstances, arguing Florent risked turning the ball over and giving the Bulldogs a final shot at victory.

Swans coach John Longmire admitted some nervous seconds in the coach’s box, but after the match Dan Hannebery described it as one of the most thrilling moments of his decorated career.

Hannebery’s excitement was in part because of his close relationship with the 19-yearold, whom he has mentored.

“I work very closely with Dan Hannebery,” Florent said.

“We are similar players in the sense we are hybrid midfielders. He’s taught me a lot and we go over vision and my game regularly. He’s encouraging and gives me a lot of confidence and belief I can go out and match it with the best players.”

It’s not just Hannebery’s game style Florent is trying to emulate, he is also finding his voice in the group. “That comes with more confidence and playing my role and knowing what my teammates’ roles are,” Florent said.

Should Florent win this year’s Rising Star Award he will become the fourth Swan to achieve the feat after Hannebery (2010), Adam Goodes (1999) and Callum Mills (2014).