McGlynn nearing full fitness
After a couple of injury setbacks, Ben McGlynn is back amongst the main training group and hoping to push on towards the 2013 season
McGlynn, who missed last year’s Preliminary Final and Grand Final with a hamstring injury, is nearing full fitness after a calf injury had earlier hampered his return to the training track this pre-season.
In encouraging signs for the forward, McGlynn took part in a number of competitive drills during this morning’s session and also ran a number of long sprints.
Speaking to SwansTV today, McGlynn said he was looking forward to resuming full training with his team mates after a number of weeks on the sidelines.
“I obviously had a bit of a setback prior to Christmas with my calf, but I’m running well now and am getting into some drills and hopefully by next week I’m in full training,” he said.
McGlynn’s rehabilitation from his hamstring strain began before the 2012 Grand Final and continued right up until what was meant to be the beginning of his pre-season.
In that time, the 27-year-old said he pushed himself hard and as a result, suffered a calf strain just before his return to training.
“I was probably doing a bit too much in the off-season to try and get back because I wanted to come back and impress, and my calf popped up, which was a bit disappointing,” he said.
“The hamstring (injury) wasn’t ideal ... but I’m trying to put that all behind me because we’re into another season now and the boys are pretty motivated to put in another solid season, so I’m looking forward to that.”
With his injury concerns hopefully behind him, McGlynn is now eyeing the upcoming NAB Cup competition as his opportunity to return to the field, saying he was hopeful of playing in round one of the NAB Cup, but conceded the final decision rested with the Swans medical staff.
“I’m pushing for NAB (Cup round) one, but I don’t think the fitness guys are too happy and they think NAB two is more where I’m at,” he said.
“Hopefully I can try and get ready for NAB one, and all things are going pretty well at the moment, so hopefully I should be available.”
McGlynn’s return to full training is likely to take place after next week’s Coffs Harbour training camp, which the full Swans squad will attend.
While training will be the main focus of the camp, McGlynn said the trip will also be a good bonding opportunity for him and his team mates.
“It’s going to be good, just to break it up a bit instead of always being out (at Lakeside Oval) running,” he said.
“It will be good to get away as a group and for all the young guys it will be good bonding for them as well.
“We’re going up there to train pretty hard but there will also be a bit of paintballing, which the boys are looking forward to, and also a bit of golf.”