McGlynn was among the club’s most dangerous forward options in the first half of the season, with the tenacious half-forward contributing 20 goals in the first 11 rounds.
Kurt Tippett’s inclusion midway through the year saw a different forward set up for the Swans, but McGlynn continued to be a force up forward, despite missing three matches due to suspension, and finished the season as the Swans’ second highest goalkicker in 2013 with 30 goals.
Speaking to sydneyswans.com.au, McGlynn said after missing last year’s premiership win, his aim was to make an impact in 2013.
How would you sum up your season in 2013?
It wasn’t a great finish and Freo were too good in the end and their pressure was enormous and the most that we’ve been put under this season. From our point of view it was pretty tough with all the injuries we had, but the boys fought it out and we got to see a lot of young guys come into the side and develop which obviously holds us in good stead for next year.
What were some of the highlights of your season?
Obviously the prelim and playing in the first final were highlights. I was a bit disappointed to miss the Carlton game but I think after last season I really wanted to have an impact this year and I thought I did that up forward and got on the scoreboard with some goals and applying pressure and setting an example for the younger guys when they come into the forward line. My highlight would be the prelim and getting as far as we could this season.
Who has been the biggest improver this season?
Tommy Mitchell has been great as well as Luke Parker, the way he’s stepped up this year has been enormous. They’ll both fill Jude Bolton’s spot pretty well, they both love diving in their first and crashing the packs, but Tom Mitchell has been the big improver and next year he’ll be better with the experience this year.
How exciting is it to know there is so much young talent coming through?
We’ve still got a lot of older heads in the side but the young guys are pushing and making it harder for people to hold their spots, so it’s going to be a good pre-season coming up. Hopefully they all come back hungrier now they have had a taste of senior footy and they push everyone else along this summer.
Personally, what do you hope to improve over the pre-season?
I just want to get through the pre-season. It’s not very enjoyable and I’m getting a bit old these days. My fitness is one of my biggest strengths so I’ll just keep working on that and try and take that to another level. I played a little bit in the midfield in the prelim, which was quite enjoyable, so hopefully I can push into the midfield and try and get a spot there, and if not, back at half-forward. I’ll just be working on my running and on my fitness.
What are your plans for the off-season?
I’m off to Bali for a couple of weeks. I’ve got my best mates wedding over there, one of my school mates, so I’m looking forward to that. Then we might do a little bit of wedding planning ourselves over there and that’s about it other than a bit of the Spring Carnival and getting back home to Mildura.
