According to former Sydney Swans midfielder Jared Crouch his dream as a kid wasn’t to get married, it was to play on AFL Grand Final day.

That dream came true for Crouch in 2005, when the Swans posted a four-point win over the West Coast Eagles to claim a long-awaited premiership for the club, which the now Swans development coach still describes as the best day of his life.

By contrast, the following year for Crouch was one of disappointment, with the reliable midfielder ending his 194 consecutive-game streak as a result of ongoing shoulder and ankle injuries.

Crouch’s injuries also resulted in him missing the 2006 finals’ series, including the Grand Final rematch against the Eagles.

Speaking ahead of the club’s first attempt at a Grand Final in six years, Crouch said amongst the excitement and buzz of Grand Final week, there are always casualties, and unfortunately this year it’s Swans forward Ben McGlynn.

“I spoke to Benny a little bit earlier and he certainly is (disappointed),” Crouch said.

“I missed out in ’06, but it was a little bit different because I sort of knew about it an extra month (before) that I wasn’t going to play in a Grand Final.

“You do have that time when you just need to be on your own and (McGlynn) was away from the group last night to have a cry, or whatever (he) needed to do.

“You think back to ’05 when Stuey Maxfield was injured, someone who had played an important part in our year, and Matthew Nicks is another one, so there are unfortunately these stories.”

While McGlynn is suitably disappointed about missing out on this Saturday’s decider, Crouch said the 27-year-old was going above and beyond to support his team mates this week.

“He wants to be part of the week and he’s excited and he’s been an integral part of getting us here and he’ll still be his normal bubbly personality around the boys for the rest of the week,” he said.

“I know from sitting in the back of the coaches box in ’06 that it will be hard for him, but there is no doubt that he’ll be cheering as loud as anyone to make sure the boys get over the line.”

Swans assistant coach Stuart Dew said he had also been in touch with McGlynn, and said his ‘head space was really good’.

“I’ve had a chat to Benny and he’s obviously disappointed on a personal note, but his spirit is really good and he’s really excited for the players,” he said.

Dew believed McGlynn was relieved to be ruled out early in the week, rather than having to wait until game day.

“I think in his own head to find out now is a lot better for him,” he said.

“It would have been a lot of stress going into the Grand Final, even if he had got through training.

“I think to carry that expectation of ‘Gee, what if something happens in the first quarter?’, that would be a big ask for someone.”