Introduction Matt Maguire is a strong and fearless key defender who boasts a thunderous attack on the ball. He proved a linchpin of St Kilda's defence at the beginning of his career before injuries halted his progression in 2007. He moved to the Brisbane Lions at the end of 2009 and has proved a valuable addition to the team's backline. Background • Maguire served a similar apprenticeship to Lions Captain Jonathan Brown by coming through the junior ranks at South Warrnambool before joining the Geelong Falcons' U18 TAC Cup side. • He was considered a likely prospect as a teenager and was promptly selected by St Kilda with pick number 21 in the so-called 'Super Draft' of 2001. • He played 12 matches in his debut season and quickly established himself as one of the Saints' key defenders. • After successfull seasons in both 2005 and 2006, Maguire became recognised as one of the best young defenders in the competition. He narrowly missed out on All-Australian selection and his one-on-one duels against fellow 'gorilla' Jonathan Brown proved highlights of the AFL fixture. • Maguire tragically broke his leg in 2007 and suffered further complications upon his recovery. He managed just four matches the following due to foot stress fractures. • He fought back to full fitness at the beginning of 2009, but could not regain his spot in the Saints' all-conquering side which went on to play in the Grand Final. • He was released by St Kilda at season's end but was quickly offered a second chance when the Brisbane Lions selected him with their final pick (No.91 overall) in the 2009 AFL National Draft.
2010 • The mature defender kicked off his first season at the Lions in style with his milestone 100th game in round 1 against the West Coast Eagles. Maguire was a solid contributor with 14 disposals and 4 tackles, and the Lions walked away 32-point victors. • He was a regular fixture on the senior side until round 12 when he was sidelined with tendonitis in his left foot, with the exception of round 7 where he was rubbed out for one match by the AFL tribunal. • Maguire’s luck worsened in June when, along with his foot injury, he contracted a Staphylococcus infection. • He was absent for four games, but returned healthy to travel to Launceston for the Lions’ round 16 clash against Hawthorn at Aurora. • Maguire’s experience added great value to the Lions’ backline. Throughout the 2010 season, he averaged 15 disposals per game and finished 17th in the Club’s Best and Fairest.
2011 • A quad injury delayed Maguire's start to the 2011 season, although the big defender returned to the senior team in time for the Round 6 clash against Richmond. • He went on to play 15 of the team's next 18 matches, and proved a valuable component in the Lions' defensive unit, particularly in the second half of the season when regular full-back Daniel Merrett was sidelined. • He averaged 11 disposals across his 15 senior matches and finished 17th in the Club Champion voting for the second consecutive season.
Daniel Merett's injury is bad for the Lions, but not fatal according to vice-captain Jed AdcockFriday, June 10, 2011 - 4:22PM
'Rog' Merrett should be strongly considered for a spot in the All-Australian team. Wednesday, June 01, 2011 - 12:12PM
Michael Voss has questioned the Lions’ endeavour on the weekend, believing his players don’t treat each team on it’s meritsMonday, June 07, 2010 - 3:36PM
Lions defender Matt Maguire will miss this Saturday night's critical clash against the Fremantle Dockers at the Gabba after he was suspended for one match by thWednesday, May 05, 2010 - 6:49PM
Ex-Saint Matt Maguire is determined to break into the Lions' best 22Saturday, November 28, 2009 - 9:13AM
Catherine Ellis caught up with Brisbane Lions Matt Maguire when he was in Melbourne for the Grand Final.Monday, September 27, 2010 - 4:50PM
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