Sydney Swans young gun Oliver Florent has troubled the opposition with his scorching pace and tidy skills on a wing in the early chapters of his AFL career.

But the Swans’ 2018 Rising Star says he relished the chance to confront the coalface of the contest in absence of bullocking midfield trio Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker and Isaac Heeney in Friday’s practice match.

It’s hoped Florent will this year develop into a well-rounded outside-inside midfielder and, with Kennedy, Parker and Heeney all on AFLX duty, the third-year Swan dazzled as Sydney toppled GWS by 24 points in Blacktown.

“There are some good players out so there was definitely some responsibility on the younger boys to get it done today, which sure was a learning experience,” Florent told SwansTV post-match.

“It’s good to be playing a bit more on the inside at the moment. I know I can play on the inside and outside, and to get a bit more experience in the midfield today – and particularly at the heat of the contest – is going to hold me in good stead.”

With Kennedy, Parker and Heeney all unavailable, and ruckmen Callum Sinclair and Sam Naismith both watching from the Blacktown International Sportspark stands, Florent was among a host of youngsters tasked with extra minutes on the inside of the contest.

Third-year ruckman Darcy Cameron carried the bulk of the ruck load as Florent, Callum Mills, George Hewett and Jordan Dawson absorbed plenty of minutes at his feet, while Tom Papley and young draftee James Rowbottom chimed in themselves.

Swans coach John Longmire recently confirmed Mills, a product of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, was on the verge of a permanent switch from half-back to the midfield in 2019.

Florent is impressed with the wide range of positions Mills is able to cover, and he said his teammate was on song in the midfield in Friday’s practice match.

“Millsy can play a lot of positions over the ground, and one of those is on the inside of the contest, which he showed today,” Florent said.

“He’s a very important player for us going into the season and he’ll be looking to spend a bit of time in there.”

The Blacktown clash also saw five of the Swans’ seven draftees pull on the red and white as AFL-listed players for the first time, with Rowbottom, Nick Blakey, Justin McInerney, Harry Reynolds and Sam Wicks all lacing up the boots.

Florent was in the same position after realising his AFL dream at the 2016 AFL Draft, and he tipped his hat to the first-year Swans at the completion of Friday’s fixture.

“All the draftees played well today and they really held their own, which was good to see,” Florent said.

“To get to know your teammates a bit better ahead of the season is really good.”