After a frustrating run with injuries in 2010, Ben McGlynn just wanted to play more footy in 2011. 

He achieved that, playing every match and booting 30 goals along the way to be the runner-up on the Club’s goal kicking table.

McGlynn spoke to sydneyswans.com.au about his year, including his switch from forward to tagging midfielder during the season….

What pleased you most about the team’s performance in 2011?

I’d have to say the injection of young guys that came in and played really good roles for us and contributed to us winning games. That should hold us in good stead going forward.

What impact did the young guys have on the more experienced players?

Mainly their enthusiasm. They want to play well for the team and they’re always giving their all, which is what you want from young guys. The way they held themselves over pre-season to give themselves the opportunity to play senior footy was really impressive.

What was the highlight of the season?

The Geelong win would have to be one of the best wins I have been a part of in my time in the AFL. Winning down in Geelong is a hard thing, but the way the boys carried themselves through that was just great.

How did you rate your own year?

I was very happy to play every game, which is a goal I set my self at the start of the year. It was good to get on the board early in the year with a few goals and contribute to the team, and then to play a more tagging role towards the end of the season was really enjoyable. The tagging role came about due to my form. I was getting a few run-with roles from the opposition, so to shake those tags I had to go into the midfield to and become a tagger myself. I think the last four games I got back into some good form. It’s good to play on quality players because they take you to the ball, and then you can try and win your own footy after that.

What area would you like to improve on next season?

I’d like to move more into the midfield, not as tagger, but as an attacking midfielder. I need to get a lot stronger in my body work to do that.

Which of your teammates most impressed you?

Craig Bird is someone that doesn’t get as much recognition as he should. He had a good year and he was tagging a bit early on too. He and Rhyce Shaw were shutting a lot of blokes down early in the year. Sam Reid is another one that impressed me and I expect to see more exciting things from him.

Re-visit sydneyswans.com.au tomorrow as Swans defender Marty Mattner assesses his 2011 season.