Swan McGlynn targets AFL midfield minutes

Sydney forward Ben McGlynn has put his hand up to pinch-hit in the already talent-rich Swans midfield in the second half of the AFL season.

Since returning to the side in round three, McGlynn has been used primarily in his traditional role of small forward

He had probably his best season in 2014, when he played most of his minutes in the midfield and averaged a career-high 20 disposals a game.

A series of soft tissue injuries restricted him to nine senior games last season and forced him to make a late start to the current campaign.

The 30-year-old Swan said he was slowly regaining his consistency and revealed he wasn’t averse to spending more time on the ball.

“I’m open to anything, hopefully I can get in there and help out the midfielders,” McGlynn said.

“It’s a long season so they do need to rest forward and I’ll pinch-hit in there when I can.

“But I’m comfortable in the forward line at the moment, applying pressure and helping us create turnovers in the forward half.”

The additions of McGlynn and the even more injury-prone Gary Rohan have added further depth, variety and grunt to Sydney’s forward line.

Renowned speedster Rohan has kicked six goals in his first three games back, but it’s his pressure play which has been lauded by coach John Longmire .

“He’s been great since he’s come back and he hasn’t looked like he’s missed a beat,” McGlynn said of Rohan.

“He’s confident in his body now and he’s on top of all his hamstring and leg injuries.

“We look forward to a big strong season from him in the second half.”

McGlynn wasn’t fussed Swans spearhead and COleman Medal leader Lance Franklin got the lions share of the external attention focused on the Sydney forward line.

“It’s good that `Bud” is kicking the goals, thats what he’s there to do,” McGlynn said.

“We don’t really care what outside the four walls their opinions are.

“We know inside our four walls who is contributing and whats been said behind closed doors. We value everyone’s input.”

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