From his junior career at Wentworth in NSW, to his TAC Cup days at Bendigo, to his first couple of years at Hawthorn, the 174cm McGlynn had been constantly reminded of his short stature.
But luckily for him, he happened to play under a couple of other 'vertically challenged' types who have shown faith in him.
"I definitely got [dismissed] earlier in my career, throughout the under 18s. Until I got to Box Hill under Andy Collins, who is a little bloke as well, and I got the opportunity to play at senior level," McGlynn said.
"Then Alastair Clarkson, who is another little bloke, looked past my size and he is pretty happy to have me in the side. Being my height has its advantages and disadvantages but I try and play to my strengths – my work in and under and my running ability than most of the taller guys."
After making his debut in 2006, McGlynn established himself in 2007 with 21 solid games for the Hawks. But suspension and injuries held him back last year and he was well down in the pecking order of the team that won the premiership.
The23-year-old admits he did not have the best of years in 2008 and fronted up to the pre-season determined to win back his spot.
"It wasn't the best of years but it has made me stronger for this year. I've put in a good pre-season and it is driving me this year to make the most of my opportunity when I get it. Hopefully I can be there and help the boys at the end of this year," he said.
"The year before, I didn't get much of a pre-season due to groin surgery. This year I was 100 per cent going in and I came back a couple of weeks before the boys to get a head start. I wanted to prove myself early and get a spot in the NAB Cup and show them that I can play at the level."
McGlynn is testament to the old adage about the fight in the dog and says that hardness is looked upon favourably by the selection committee.
"People on our coaching staff were very hard men of the AFL when they were playing," he said.
"It is part of the culture over here that you've got to be willing to commit yourself to the contests and the ball and play hard, tough footy. We've got a few guys in our side like Jordan Lewis, Brad Sewell and Chance Bateman who can do it."
McGlynn said that trio of hard-at-it midfielders are the three he admires most in the Hawthorn side.
"For myself, Chance Bateman's running through the lines and his attack on the footy is second to none. Brad Sewell is a rookie-list story who has come through and established himself as one of the premier midfielders of the competition," he said.
"They are definitely blokes I look up to around the club and they carry themselves very well. It is hard not to want to follow their lead."
