For the last two years, the disappointment of missing out on premiership glory in 2012 has lingered in Ben McGlynn’s mind.

It’s haunted him, bothered him, but most importantly, motivated him to do anything within his power to get his chance on the last Saturday in September.

Now, following the Sydney Swans’ 71-point victory over North Melbourne at ANZ Stadium on Friday night, the 29-year old will finally get his opportunity to play in a Grand Final.

Speaking to the media following the Swans recovery at the SCG on Saturday morning, McGlynn said he couldn’t be happier, or more relieved, to know he would be lining up on the hallowed MCG turf next Saturday.

“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, but I’ve had to battle with that.

“This game gives you plenty, but the joys are great, and I’m going to enjoy this week.

“I’m in a completely different mindset (to 2012) and I’ve pulled up well from the game and waking up today, it’s a great feeling.

“I’m very confident now in my body and I’m looking forward to the week.”

The 29-year-old, who also missed out on playing in a premiership with his former side Hawthorn in 2008, admitted that he thought his chance may have passed him by when the Swans claimed victory in 2012 without him.

But the Swans’ success so far in 2014, and the fitness of the squad leading into next weekend’s decider, has filled McGlynn with confidence that his year could be his year.

“In 2008 I was part of the group at Hawthorn, and when I reflect back now, I was a part of the group, but I wasn’t anywhere near playing,” he said.

“In 2012 and obviously falling short, you see a lot of players retire and you find one thing that if they have played in a premiership or haven’t played in finals it’s one of their regrets.

“You think about whether if this is my last chance, and credit to John Longmire and the coaching staff, because we’ve got a group of players and we all have got a common goal.

“Last year we were on one leg going into the prelim and it’s hard to win over in Perth, but this year, other than the first four rounds, we’ve had a good solid season and there’s a lot of belief amongst the boys.”

Not only will McGlynn head into this year’s Grand Final without an injury cloud hanging over his head, he will also enter the match in arguably the best form of his career.

In Friday night’s preliminary final win over North Melbourne, McGlynn was an important contributor, picking up 19 possessions and applying unrelenting pressure throughout the match.

McGlynn said he believed his move into the midfield this season was the catalyst for his impressive form.

“This is probably one of my most consistent (seasons), he said.

“Going into the midfield has been a great challenge for me personally and I think I’ve added a bit of depth to the side.

“I’m really enjoying it in there and hopefully can have another good one on the weekend.”

McGlynn said he had been overwhelmed by the support he had received from friends, family and fans since Friday night’s win and said he could not wait to finally get his chance next weekend.

“It’s pretty exciting,” he said.

“It was a little bit overwhelming last night and I took a bit to reflect on the season, but I’m pretty pumped this morning to read the papers and to be in my first Grand Final and I’m looking forward to the week.

“It’s been a long, hard journey, but I’m really looking forward to this week and getting out there on Saturday.”