Double centurions Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton and Ryan O’Keefe hoped for the best for a young Josh Kennedy as he ran out for his 50^th AFL game in 2011.

And eight years later, co-captain Kennedy is wishing Sydney Swans milestone man Oliver Florent a long and fruitful career as he zeroes in on a half-century of his own.

Florent will join the 50-game club as Sydney squares off with the Geelong Cats at the SCG on Sunday afternoon.

Kennedy and Sydney’s 2018 Rising Star work side by side as members of the Swans’ midfield contingent, and the veteran on-baller would love to see the speedster enjoy a bright future in red and white.

“Hopefully he’s going to be a really good player for us for a long, long time,” Kennedy said.

“I look forward to seeing him continue to develop. The 50 games have come around pretty quickly, hopefully there are many more to come and I look forward to seeing him develop into a really quality player.”

While Kennedy and Luke Parker have long led Sydney at the coalface of the contest, Florent is among a long list of young Swans adding fresh legs to the midfield brigade.

Isaac Heeney, George Hewett, Tom Papley, Zak Jones, Ryan Clarke, Jordan Dawson and James Rowbottom round out the evolving midfield rotation.

Kennedy has spent a lot more time alongside Florent since his transition from the forward line to the midfield in season 2018, and he only has praise for the rising Swan.

“He’s been a great character ever since he arrived at the footy club,” Kennedy said.

“He brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm, he loves his footy and he’s really diligent with how he approaches his training.”

Sydney’s Clarke, Jackson Thurlow and Will Hayward have all reached 50 matches this season, while teammates Kieren Jack (250 games), Dane Rampe (150) and Callum Sinclair (100) have ticked off milestones of their own.