IF SATURDAY'S enthralling AFL Grand Final had finished in a draw, injured Sydney Swan Ben McGlynn may well have had a chance to feature in a replay against Hawthorn.

Having played 22 games this season before injuring his hamstring in the qualifying final, McGlynn failed a fitness test on Tuesday and had to watch his teammates march to the premiership.

He fell agonisingly short of recovering in time, but McGlynn couldn't have been prouder of his teammates, who did their best to include him at Sunday's function at Lakeside Stadium.

"I would've been a chance to play," McGlynn said if a replay had been required.

"We had a run around on Friday and I sprinted through the middle and had a kick while the boys were having shots at goal.

"That was my fitness test. I told the conditioning staff if it was a draw, I'll play next week.

"But it was never going to be a draw, it was really tight, but I knew these boys would get over the line.

"They never give up, they bleed for the footy club and for each other, and it was a super effort."

McGlynn had some dark moments once it dawned on him he would fall short in his brave bid to get back into the side.

But he was able to quickly put it behind him and send some positive thoughts his teammates' way.

"I’m very appreciative of 'Horse' (coach John Longmire) mentioning me after the game and at last night's reception," he said.

"Tuesday I gave myself an opportunity to play and had to go one hundred per cent and I got through it a few times, but the last time, I felt tight.

"I gave myself every opportunity to play and to be recognised by the playing group over the last few hours, it's very humbling.

"Once Tuesday happened, I went home and had a night by myself dealing with missing out, and rocked up Wednesday and tried to be really positive for the boys."

Following a four-point victory over West Coast in the 2005 Grand Final, and by a one-point defeat to the Eagles the following year, Swans co-captain Adam Goodes joked Saturday had been "the biggest blowout".

Still dressed in the suit this morning that he wore to the game, McGlynn said he had his moments watching on, but was strangely calm in the epic final quarter.

"It was an amazing game. I'm not a good spectator," he said.

"I was swearing and going on and my partner Hannah had to tell me to settle down a bit.

"But I was relaxed in the last quarter. I knew we were going to win.

"I just knew it was going to be a special day."

And he is now driven to try to be part of it all in 2013.

"I love all the boys, I'm so happy for them, but it's going to drive me on for next year and hopefully we can get there again," he said.

"I just want to be part of what the boys are experiencing today."

James Dampney is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_JD