McGlynn retires without the premiership he coveted after playing in the 22-point grand final loss, and the heavy defeat to his old club Hawthorn two years ago.

He missed the 2012 triumph after tearing his hamstring in the qualifying final, and a knee injury cost him a place in the Hawks' 2008 grand final win.

Amid the grand final heartache, McGlynn chiselled out an impressive AFL career, playing 171 games after being taken by Hawthorn with pick 55 of the 2006 rookie draft.

His debut was against the Bulldogs, and he moved to the Swans at the end of 2009.

McGlynn kicked 195 career goals and produced some of his best football at the back end of this season. His five goals against Richmond in round 23 were an equal career best.

McGlynn came of age in 2014, winning the club's most improved award and earning promotion to the leadership group.

He also completed his level 2 coaching course while working closely with the Swans Academy that year. Whether or not he pursues that path in a more official capacity now he's retired remains to be seen.

After Sydney's preliminary final win over Geelong last month, McGlynn stared longingly at the premiership cup on his way back to the changing-rooms, but his dream of lifting the AFL's biggest prize wasn't to be.

"The past seven years here at the Swans has been a great highlight of my life and there are so many memories I will cherish forever," McGlynn said.

"I'm especially going to miss running out and competing each weekend because that's what I've always loved doing, but I've still got a lot of passion for the game and would love to stay involved in the industry."

Coach John Longmire said McGlynn's retirement was a big loss to the Swans.

"Despite his relatively short stature, Ben had a big influence on the team both on and off the field," Longmire said. "The way he played his football gave the team real energy. He was hard; he was committed; he really valued the things we value as a team and he did them really well.

"When Ben McGlynn was firing, the team was a much better team, because he was able to make those around him better."

McGlynn joins Ted Richards in retiring this year following the departures of veterans Adam Goodes, Rhyce Shaw and Mike Pyke last season.

The retirements of that quintet over the past two seasons have cost the Swans 1151 games of AFL experience.

Meanwhile, ruckman Tom Derickx has retired after playing 13 games for the Swans since joining from Richmond, and rookie Kyle Galloway has been delisted.

"Both Tom and Kyle have worked hard during their time at our football club and represented the Swans in the NEAFL grand final," head of football Tom Harley said.

"Tom has been a very popular member of the squad since coming across from Richmond and gave his all for the team."