McGlynn played 44 games for Hawthorn between 2006 and 2009 before being traded to the Sydney Swans, where he played another 127 games.

The 31-year-old’s final game was last Saturday’s losing grand final to the Western Bulldogs.

McGlynn was also part of the Swans’ beaten grand final side against Hawthorn in 2014, while a hamstring injury in the first week of the finals robbed him of the chance of playing in Sydney’s 2012 premiership team.

"I'm especially going to miss running out and competing each weekend because that's what I've always loved doing," McGlynn said.

"But I've still got a lot of passion for the game and would love to stay involved in the industry."

Swans coach John Longmire said “when Ben McGlynn was firing, the team was a much better team because he was able to make those around him better."