For the second time in as many finals series, Sydney small forward Ben McGlynn finds himself the AFL’s hard-luck story.

McGlynn was in tears after ripping his hamstring in the opening week of the 2012 finals and failed to recover in time for the Swans’ grand final win over Hawthorn.

Now a minor calf issue has prevented him taking on Carlton in Saturday night’s sudden-death clash at ANZ Stadium.

Last year, the 28-year-old missed just one game of the regular season. In 2013, he has played every game for the Swans bar a three-match suspension.

McGlynn’s tale of finals woe extends back to his time at Hawthorn where he played 44 games in four seasons, but was hampered by injuries in 2008 and managed just three matches in the Hawks’ premiership year.

Few men have been so unlucky in September but, at least this time, there is hope for McGlynn in the form of next Saturday’s preliminary final against Fremantle.

“We’ve got to do the right thing by him and win and give him a chance for next week,” Swans veteran Jude Bolton said on Friday.

“It’s shattering for him. He’s worked so hard this year and there’s been that energy in the way he’s trained and played.”

Earlier this week, Swans coach John Longmire expected McGlynn would be right to take on the Blues, and the expectation is he’ll be fit to play against the Dockers should Sydney not exit the finals in straight sets.

“Disappointed not to be playing but il be back..lets hope the boys get the job done!,” McGlynn posted on Twitter.