“IT’S A completely fresh start.”

After nine seasons in the red and white, Ollie Florent has relished the chance to start anew in Navy Blue.

While Florent won’t have to wait long for a return to the Harbour City, with the Blues to open the season in Opening Round against the Swans, the whole pre-season for Florent has been about falling in love with his new surrounds.

A Melbourne boy before getting drafted at the end of 2016, Florent has returned to the home of footy - and it didn’t take him very long to feel the full effect of the Carlton faithful.

“I knew it was a massive club, but I was a bit naive that you’d be getting recognised down the street,” Florent told Triple M’s Rush Hour.

12:46

Florent on fresh start at Carlton

New Blue Ollie Florent joined Dale Thomas and Isaac Smith on Triple M to discuss his move to Carlton.

“I remember being in Nagambie for Paps’ wedding and having breakfast with Dan Hannebery, Dane Rampe and Josh Kennedy. This lady comes to the table going ‘Are you Ollie Florent? You play for Carlton’ - when I was sitting with three of the greatest footballers in Swans history right next to me!

“That was pretty funny.”

Florent’s Carlton connection was prevalent even before he became a Blue, having a close family connection with former player Andrew Phillips (1989-91) while his travel buddy in South America was desperate to see him “come to the ‘Baggers”.

For the 27-year-old, the payoff has been instant.

“I’m leaning into everything.

“I’m in the age bracket where we’ve got a lot of young guys, and I’m really excited to take my lessons from what I learned in Sydney to help out the younger group.

“Whatever I can add is great. I’m excited to play in front of 90,000, that’ll be pretty cool.”

00:52

The Carlton roar, it’s Like No Other

Nothing matches the Carlton roar — the sound that turns every gameday into something unforgettable. Our Club, Like No Other.

Having trained the whole pre-season as a half-back, Florent is keen to prove his wares in his customary position, although he’s open to shuffling if the coaching staff see fit.

And from the back half, he’s loved what he’s seen forward of the ball at IKON Park this summer.

“It’s really dynamic with the players we’ve got there - they can play tall or small, and it gives us avenues to goal.

“It’s definitely been a focus trying not to just kick it long, but test the opposition by hand and by footy. It’s just a starting point, we’ve got to keep doing it.”