Opportunities in front of goal have been rare throughout Matt ‘Goose’ Maguire’s 164-game career – particularly during his time at the Brisbane Lions.

But last Saturday night, Maguire booted just his second goal from 65 matches with the Club – and it was a beauty!

The 30-year-old defender found himself forward of centre midway through the opening term, and when the ball fell into his hands, he decided to load up from well beyond the 50m arc.

Maguire, in typical good humour, told LionsTV after the match that the goal was part of an ongoing competition between himself and fellow defender Joel Patfull.

“Joel (Patfull) and I were talking about it after he snagged one last week (against West Coast),” Maguire said.

“I got the hanger – he was trying to get the hanger this week – and I wanted to kick the goal.

“I got it about 75m out and thought I was in range, so thought ‘why not line ‘em up’.”

Compared to his first goal in Lions colours last year against his former side St Kilda, Maguire’s post-goal reaction was far more restrained.

“My last celebration was probably bigger than the goal itself last year, so I tried to do something a little more subdued,” he said.

“Just a little high-five to one of the boys running past, that was about it.”

Since Daniel Merrett’s permanent shift forward, Maguire has enjoyed being the ‘old head’ of the Lions’ back six – half of which is now made up of players aged 20 or under.

“It’s great to see these young guys come on and play great footy,” he said.

“Darcy Gardiner was really good again (against the Suns) and Dan McStay got a goal as well – he’s really come into his own – and Jase Clarke has had a great season.

“The fact I can be down there and help them play great footy…is nice as well.”