Mecwacare Men’s Rising Star: Jai Florent

The VAFA congratulates Old Mentonians young gun, Jai Florent, who has been named the Mecwacare Men’s Rising Star nominee for Round 6 following his best-on-ground performance against Hampton Rovers last weekend.

What the club said:

Jai joined Old Mentonians’ AFC in 2018 through his association with Mentone Grammar school as a student and via transfer from Cheltenham JFC to play U19 ‘s with the Club. He is accredited with playing 2 games with OMFC that year.

Jai is a product of Mentone Grammar School and was named captain of the school first football team in 2019

Jai also represented the Sandringham Dragons in 2018/2019 and is currently on the Frankston VFL list. Jai made his senior debut for the Old Mentonians in 2019 as a 17-year-old, playing 4 games late in the year, and kicking (2) goals on debut.

Jai does have the same traits and plays a lot like his older brother Oliver Florent (Sydney Swans) but we do see some similarities to Hugh McCluggage (Brisbane Lions) with his strengths including speed, endurance, skills and ability to cover the ground. For a lightly framed player he also has tremendous courage and is a good tackler.

Jai is known for being a respectful, polite, friendly and hardworking young man with tremendous leadership and cares for his teammates. He is quiet but shows great respect to all at the club. Jai is a strong trainer, plus we are now starting to see self – confidence and real leadership on game day.

Other Info:

Favourite AFL player – Will Hayward
Favourite sports movie – 42
Pre match football superstition – coffee
Favourite post-match meal – burrito 
Best Old Mentonian win I’ve played in – Hampton Rovers (last Saturday)