RECENTLY retired Sydney Swan Ben McGlynn has taken up a role with St Kilda as an assistant coach.

McGlynn, who announced his retirement after his side's Grand Final loss to the Western Bulldogs, has coaching experience with the Swans' NEAFL team, as well as the club's academy under-16 team. 

The 31-year-old played 171 matches in total during his career, 44 for Hawthorn and 127 for the Swans, which included two Grand Final appearances for the Bloods.

McGlynn said he was looking forward to starting a new role afresh at the Saints, which will see him working closely with the club's young players.

"After playing footy in Sydney for the past seven years, I’m really excited at the challenge of stepping into a new environment, a new club and meeting new people," McGlynn told saints.com.au.

"I've had some exposure to coaching, so I feel like the development role is a great fit for me and I'm looking forward to working with the younger boys.  

'It's going to be a big challenge, which I’m really excited to take on."

Saints football manager Jamie Cox said McGlynn would bring important experience to the club.

"We are really excited to have Ben join the Saints," Cox said. 

"Obviously he was a highly skilled and experienced player, and he has a genuine love and interest in coaching and developing young talent.

"His AFL experience and knowledge of the modern game will be invaluable to the younger players under his tutelage."