Unlucky McGlynn retires from AFL

Oct 6, 2016 - 6:07 AM Sydney small forward Ben McGlynn has announced his AFL retirement, five days after his last grand final disappointment.

While Swans coach John Longmire praised him for his leadership and commitment, McGlynn's 171-game career was marred by rotten luck.

He missed out on Hawthorn's 2008 premiership because of injury and then moved to Sydney in 2010.

A torn hamstring in the first week of the finals meant he also missed out on the Swans' 2012 premiership.

McGlynn, 31, played in Sydney's losing 2014 grand final side.

He was one of the Swans' best in the preliminary final win over Geelong late last month, but had minimal impact in the grand final loss to the Western Bulldogs.

"Despite his relatively short stature (172cm), Ben had a big influence on the team both on and off the field," Longmire said in a club statement.

"The way he played his football gave the team real energy. He was hard; he was committed; he really valued the things we value as a team and he did them really well.

"When Ben McGlynn was firing the team was a much better team, because he was able to make those around him better."

McGlynn told teammates before Thursday night's club best and fairest function that he had decided not to keep playing.

He thanked the Swans and Hawks, adding family had been the biggest inspiration in his career.

"I'm especially going to miss running out and competing each weekend because that's what I've always loved doing," he said.

"But I've still got a lot of passion for the game and would love to stay involved in the industry."

McGlynn played 44 games for the Hawks from 2006-10 and had a career total of 171.

Source: AAP