Ben McGlynn

D.O.B:
6 August 1985
Club:
Sydney Swans
Honours:
2005 NAB AFL Rookie Draft Pick No. 55 (Hawthorn)
2006 AFL Debut
2009 Traded from Hawthorn to Sydney
2011 International Rules Team

McGlynn is a versatile player who can play as a crumbing forward or even in a run-with role further up the ground. Originally from Wentworth in New South Wales, Ben played for the Bendigo Pioneers in the U18 competition before moving to the Box Hill Hawks. A courageous midfielder with balance, speed and strength, McGlynn excelled for Box Hill in 2006, making an impression on the coaching staff at Hawthorn and ultimately being elevated from the rookie list.

After making his debut in 2006, McGlynn established himself in 2007, playing a solid 21 games for the Hawks. Injuries slowed McGlynn's progress in 2008 as he played just three AFL games and five VFL games during the season. After a solid pre-season, the determined forward averaged 17 disposals and seven marks throughout the 2009 season and played the last 16 games of Hawthorn's 2009 campaign to take his career tally to 44.

In 2009, Ben was traded to the Sydney Swans with Josh Kennedy for round 3 draft picks (No.39 and 46) and a round five pick (No.70). Ben’s first year at Sydney was very successful, which improved his confidence as a footballer. Although suffering from a fractured cheekbone and missing a few games throughout the season, Ben had a significant first year with the Swans both on and off the field, displaying his quality leadership skills.

McGlynn started his 2011 season in the same role he played for much of 2010, a small forward. He kicked consistent goals and was the leading Swans’ goal kicker come mid season. So dangerous he was becoming that the opposition sides started to tag him more heavily and as such, McGlynn’s output through the middle of the year dropped.  But he was then relocated to midfield where he played as tagger and his performance significantly improved.

McGlynns terrific second year in Sydney, left him finishing ninth in the best and fairest and earning a place in the Australian side that took on Ireland in the International Rules Series. Ben led the club in goalkicking for much of the season, ending the year with 30 goals, second only to Adam Goodes.  

Ben had a very consistent year across half forward and in the midfield for Sydney in 2012. However he sustained a hamstring injury in Sydney’s first week of finals and was unable to participate in what went on to become a premiership game. Ben averaged 14 disposals from his 22 games and kicked 30 goals for the season. 2013 should see him back to full fitness and helping Sydney defend their premiership title.