Ben McGlynn has experienced eight of the nine Sydney derbies, declaring Saturday’s instalment as one of the toughest.

McGlynn made a successful comeback to senior football against the Giants, collecting 17 disposals and kicking a goal in the Swans’ 25-point win at the SCG.

The veteran forward added experience and was lively in the front half, laying four tackles and producing five forward-50 entries all the while applying constant pressure on the GWS’ backmen.

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Pressure that, in the heat of the battle, was crucial to gaining the slightest edge over the visitors.

The hard-fought contest proved a tough encounter even for an experienced campaigner like McGlynn.

“It was a pretty tight game throughout the four quarters,” McGlynn told SwansTV post-match.

“It was definitely one of the hardest. In the early days, when they were new to the comp, they were a young team but they’re harder (bodied) now and a formidable team in the future.

“We’re happy to get the four points against them. We’ve got a lot of respect for them. They’ll hurt a lot of teams this year for sure.”

Saturday’s opportunity was warmly welcomed by McGlynn who dedicated his pre-season to working through a spate of soft-tissue injuries which curtailed his 2015 campaign.

He worked his way back to full fitness before earning a senior recall with two strong performances with the NEAFL Swans.

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McGlynn hopes to build on his solid return with more senior appearances, starting with next weekend’s clash against Adelaide.

“I obviously had a slow start to the pre-season and a different program this year just top of the soft tissues that prevented me to play last year,” McGlynn added.

“It was a bit frustrating not playing the first couple of rounds but I did my time down in the (reserves) and now I’m looking forward to what’s hopefully a consistent year.”