BEN McGLYNN is happy to have the chance to finally exorcise the daily demons that have lodged in his mind the past two years since missing the Sydney Swans' 2012 Grand Final triumph.
McGlynn has been one of the standouts this season in a Swans side that cruised through to the premiership decider with a 71-point flogging of North Melbourne on Friday.
It looms as a case of third time lucky for McGlynn.
He missed the 2012 season decider with a hamstring injury and wondered if he would get another grand final chance after also missing out on playing in Hawthorn's 2008 premiership side.
"I was part of the group, but I wasn't anywhere near playing, and then in 2012, obviously falling short (fitness-wise)," McGlynn said.
"2012 was obviously disappointing and it's been my driving force over the last couple of years and it's great to get the opportunity to play in a Grand Final.
"You see a lot of players retire and if they haven't played in a premiership or made the finals, it's one of their regrets and you do think 'is this my last chance?'"
Next Saturday's game will finally give him the chance to put his mind at rest.
"There hasn't been a day where 2012 hasn't come across my mind," McGlynn said.
"There's obviously memorabilia around the club, which is good, because the boys deserve to be recognised.
"I've had to battle with that, but this game gives you plenty.
"The joys are great and I'm going to enjoy this week."
He said he had a completely different mindset to the same week two years ago, when he tried to prove his fitness on the Tuesday, but couldn't get through the training session.
"I pulled up well from the game and waking up today it's a great feeling," McGlynn said.
This year, McGlynn got his injury issues out of the way before the finals, missing Sydney's last three home and away games with a calf problem.
"I'm very confident now in my body," McGlynn said.
He has revelled in his new role this year, spending most of his time in the midfield, while still maintaining his goal-a-game average.
"This has probably been my most consistent (year)," McGlynn said.
"Going into the midfield has been a great challenge for me.
"Personally I think I've added a bit of depth to the side."
