Ben McGlynn says loss to GWS was catalyst for Sydney turning around its finals campaign

SYDNEY was forced to “look in the mirror” and rediscover its ferocity after a qualifying final wake-up call from Greater Western Sydney, according to small forward Ben McGlynn.

Ben McGlynn: “We’ve got four quarters left and we will give it everything.” Picture: Colleen Petch.

SYDNEY was forced to “look in the mirror” and rediscover its ferocity around the contest after a qualifying final wake-up call from Greater Western Sydney, according to tough small forward Ben McGlynn.

McGlynn, who is chasing a much deserved change of luck at Grand Final time after a couple of painful near misses, kicked the Swans’ first goal within the first minute of Friday night’s ambush of Geelong, courtesy of some bullocking work from the midfield.

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And he insisted that hardness at the contest and passion for getting in and getting their hands dirty was rediscovered after the shock loss to the Giants a fortnight ago.

Asked if the 36-point loss to the Giants was the wake-up call required, McGlynn said: “100 per cent ... we pride ourselves on that (attack on the ball) and our first week of the finals was disappointing.”

Ben McGlynn celebrates the opening goal of the game. Picture: Colleen Petch

“We didn’t get enough of the footy, and they really got us on the spread. We really reviewed that game and had a good look in the mirror.

“We know our (attack on the ball) stands up for us and we needed to get back to that. Our leaders Kieren Jack, Luke Parker, John Kennedy and obviously Dan Hannebery led the way in the last two weeks in terms of their attack on the footy and everyone else jumps on board.”

McGlynn, 31, was the heartbreaking figure of the Swans’ 2012 premiership, having injured a hamstring in the first week of the finals, and just failing to prove his fitness for the Grand Final. And he was a part of Sydney’s 2014 losing Grand Final side, kicking a goal and having 11 possessions as his former side Hawthorn saluted.

He plans to do things differently this time around, saying that he wants to enjoy the week, rather be weighed down by the expectations as he felt he was two years ago.

McGlynn hopes to taste premiership success for the first time. Picture. Phil Hillyard

“I’ve had a two opportunities and haven’t won one yet, so hopefully it will be third time lucky,” he said. “I will approach the week as normal as possible and hopefully put in a good effort next week.

“I think in 2014 I tried to push it aside and didn’t really enjoy the week. I’m getting a bit older now, so you have to enjoy these moments and take them for what they are.

“We’ve got four quarters left and we will give it everything. I want to be more relaxed this week (compared to 2014). We have got a lot of young guys (in the team) and we’ve got to make sure those young guys are enjoying the week, but are not getting too overwhelmed.”

McGlynn said the most impressive aspect of Sydney’s win over Geelong was how much of a team effort it was across the board — without exception.

“It was a great collective from everyone ... the first quarter set up our game, so we are really happy with that,” he said. “Obviously, we now look to the big one.”