An unfortunate run of injury setbacks and subsequent lack of match conditioning over the pre-season has hampered Ben McGlynn’s start to season 2015.

McGlynn has managed only two games thus far no thanks to a series of injury concerns including calf and glute strains which ultimately held the 166-goal forward back ahead of the Swans’ season opener against Essendon.

The plan from coach John Longmire was to allow the 29-year-old to make up for lost time and gain valuable match practice via the NEAFL before a senior re-call.

McGlynn featured in the Swans’ NEAFL season opener in Canberra before Nick Smith’s late withdrawal ahead of the Swans third round clash with the Giants the following week opened the door for the veteran’s premature return.

McGlynn strung together the two games but was one of three changes to side which faced the Bulldogs.

After making his second appearance for the Swans’ NEAFL side in Saturday’s curtain-closer at the SCG, McGlynn was one of the talking points thrown up by media on Monday.

Asked about McGlynn’s progress, Longmire remained firm on exposing the veteran to more minutes before a possible re-call.

“Benny had a number of pre-season challenges,” Longmire said.

“He strained a couple of calves and a glute which meant his pre-season, and up until a few weeks ago, was limited.

“We need to get some game time into him and get him back to some good quality form and fitness.”

McGlynn has played 146 career games (102 with Sydney) since his selection via the 2006 Rookie Draft.

Longmire expects Sam Reid and Isaac Heeney will be available for Saturday’s game against Melbourne after the pair missed last weekend with respective injuries.