Sydney recruit Ben McGlynn feels hugely indebted to the Swans, the only AFL team to show genuine interest in him once he decided to part ways with Hawthorn last year.

Now, the focused 24-year-old wants to join the impressive list of players who have re-invented their careers after leaving other AFL clubs to don Sydney's red and white strip.

McGlynn played 44 games for the Hawks since his debut in 2006, but requested a trade at the end of last season so he could get greater opportunities and extend his career.

The Swans granted him his wish, orchestrating a trade with Hawthorn and offering him a three-year deal to shift to the harbour city.

The versatile McGlynn, who can play as a small forward or in the midfield, is hoping to achieve similar success to the likes of Craig Bolton, Rhyce Shaw, Marty Mattner and Ted Richards, who all found their best form after joining the Swans from other clubs.

"Hawthorn's got a great midfield, so I definitely see an opportunity here to get a spot in there or at half-forward," he said after pre-season training on Wednesday.

"It's more about having the opportunity to play footy and I'm very happy to be here.

"Sydney were really the only club that were showing a lot of interest and I respected that, so hopefully I can give a lot back."

Even by midfielder or small-forward standards, McGlynn is a diminutive figure and appears to barely reach the 174cm listed on his player profile.

But he has proven to be one of Sydney's fittest players during the pre-season and has also been building up his strength.

He is joining a Swans side that is in transition and has a host of new faces and McGlynn is hell-bent on establishing himself and helping Sydney get back into the finals.

"That's my aim," he said.

"I want to come in and contribute to the Swans and help them get back into the finals this year and I'm really looking forward to that first NAB Cup game (against Carlton on February 20).

"There's a lot of new faces and a lot of spots up for grabs, so everyone's been pushing each other during pre-season.

"I"m confident I should be able to hold a spot for the year."

McGlynn is enjoying the relative anonymity that comes with being an AFL player in a city dominated by rugby league and is also relishing some of the perks Sydney has to offer.

"I came up here when I was nine, but other than that I haven't been here," he said.

"I'm just moving into a place in Randwick, nice and close to the beach and I'm enjoying that lifestyle.

"It's a bit different to the bay down in St Kilda."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP