Ben McGlynn – How he will help us and welcome to the Saints

St Kilda has done well during the trade period. We have got Nathan Brown, Jack Steele and Koby Stevens.

As Jake Carlisle’s ban has been lifted, our defense line will be strong and tight in 2017. Brown will help well in the back pocket.

We have already got great midfielders who are good at kicking and handballing, and Steele and Stevens will add wonderful midfield work next season.

I don’t think we will be too worried about reduced output after our veterans (Riewoldt and Montagna) retire.

It isn’t just the new boys bringing brightness of the club; so does the newly appointed assistant coach Ben McGlynn.

McGlynn recently retired from playing after four seasons at Hawthorn and seven seasons as a small forward for Sydney.

When I heard the news, I started wondering who he was and what he has done.

During his playing career, he played 171 games and kicked 195 goals. I think he was an average player.

Also he has worked closely as a mentor with the Swans’ NEAFL team and Swans’ Academy Under 16 team. McGlynn has completed a Level 2 coaching accreditation course and also holds a Diploma of Sports Management and Development.

Although unlike other small forwards like Stephen Milne or Hayden Ballantyne, I believe he will be a good mentor for Jack Lonie and Jade Gresham.

By missing being a premiership player in 2012 due to injury and the opportunities to win flags in 2014 and 2016, he will encourage our boys to keep motivated and guide us to a second flag. And he will achieve his goal as being the part of the premiership team at St Kilda.

A strong culture has been established at St Kilda and it is important that we maintain such a culture.

Many young players choose St Kilda as their second club. It’s a reflection of our great efforts and loyalty. They want to be like Tim Membrey, Maverick Weller, Josh Bruce and Tom Hickey. These boys will stay at St Kilda until retirements, I believe.

Welcome to the brilliant St Kilda!! Together we are on rise. Let’s work together for our second flag!

Go the mighty Saints!

About Yoshihiro Imagawa

Love, passion and pride are seen on the footy that is the biggest part of my life. 1. St Kilda Club member: I am a passionate and crazy Sainter. Just hope we will win the second flag soon, especially after Dogs and Tigers having ended long premiership draughts. 2. The Osaka Dingoes Player and Public Relations Officer: Player number 44 that I chose to honour Stephen Milne with my wish being like a small forward like him. Lenny Hayes' hardworking attitudes are adopted on my trainings and practices. Nick Riewoldt's great plays are in my player audiobook too. 3. Writing: Here on the Almanac and also on the World Footy News. My skills utilise on great footy websites.

Comments

  1. Yoshi, Ben McGlynn was a better than an average player, he was an essential small forward and provided good defensive pressure keeping the ball in our forward area and could kick those vital goals as a crumbing forward. He was relentless with pressure, capable of taking gutsy marks and will be missed. Unfortunately his two Grand Finals were not his best games.
    Saints will get an honest, hard working assistant who knows what it takes to get the best out of themselves.

  2. G’day davep,

    Thanks for your comment and additional information about McGlynn.

    I am sorry that I only checked with number of goals and not how he played. Holding the ball and putting pressures to the opponents are important to score more goals and win the game.

    His such attitudes including being honest and hardworking will influence us positively.

    All the best

    Yoshi

  3. Keiran Croker says

    Benny was a whole hearted player who gave his all and got the most out of his ability. Yes, much better than average.
    If he throws himself in to coaching as he did with his playing he will be a great asset for the Saints.
    All the best to you Yoshi.
    Regards, Keiran.

  4. Good evening Kieran,

    Thanks for your comment.

    He is going on the extra miles on the footy field and I hope St Kilda boys learn from him well.

    I wish you all the best.

    Regards
    Yoshi

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