Speaking to sydneyswans.com.au ahead of this weekend’s sell-out clash with Essendon at the SCG, the 27-year-old said his focus is to make the most of his chances this year.
“It’s obviously good to be leading the goal kicking because it means I’m getting opportunities in front of goal,” he said.
“It also means that we’re not relying on one key forward whether it be Sam Reid or Adam Goodes and we’ve got a great spread of the midfielders and small forwards who are kicking goals.
“I’m happy just to be hitting the scoreboard and to be doing what I can when I get the opportunity.”
It’s not just in front of goal where McGlynn has made improvements this year, he’s also averaging a career-best 4.88 tackles per game for the season.
McGlynn is also ranked second for goal assists for the Swans with 11 (behind Adam Goodes who has 12), and is averaging 13.7 disposals per game.
After his 2012 season was cut short by a hamstring injury, McGlynn said he was more determined than ever to help put wins on the board.
“Obviously last year was a little disappointing, so I’m just going out and trying to do as best I can each week to give the team the best opportunity to win the game,” he said.
“I think if my pressure is up and I’m working hard and I’m aggressive at the footy and at the opposition, then the players follow.
“I’m just focusing on that most weeks and hopefully we’re able to win more games if we continue to step it up.”
The Swans’ best pressure was on show in last Friday night’s 47-point win over Collingwood at the MCG, which McGlynn said was a positive step forward for the club.
“I think the pleasing thing to come out of the game was that we played four quarters of footy,” he said.
“The week before against Fremantle was a little bit disappointing in the last ten minutes, so to put four quarters together and to play the way we wanted to play and the way we talked about during the week, was very pleasing.”
McGlynn added that it was a boost for the Swans when the team’s pressure efforts translated to points on the scoreboard.
“Obviously Friday night against Collingwood at the MCG is a big occasion and we wanted to try and shut their crowd out early and I guess the pressure we applied on them helped that,” he said.
“I think when you kick goals from when the boys were putting on pressure, it’s very rewarding, so I guess that’s why everyone was up and about.”
The Swans will have another stern test on their hands this weekend when they take on Essendon in front of a packed SCG.
“We know it’s a bit clash against Essendon and they’ve been going really well and it’s a sell-out crowd here at the SCG,” McGlynn said.
“It’s good for the Sydney Swans and our supporters and the boys playing in front of that big crowd, so we’ll be going out and trying to get the four points and to get one ahead of them.
“We know it’s not going to be an easy game because Essendon are going well, so we’ve got to be prepared to come and bring our four quarters of pressure and hopefully get over the line.”
