His body is now feeling better than it has in a long, long time.
Maguire is 29 and three matches back from his latest setback – a combination of ankle and calf problems that began in round one against the Western Bulldogs.
He has averaged 16 disposals and 10 marks per game in those three matches.
Although Drew Petrie kicked five goals on him last week - Stephen Silvagni would not have stopped some of the service – Maguire again looks a solid AFL fullback.
Young Lion Mayes wary of improved Demons
Ever since his horrific broken left leg suffered for St Kilda against West Coast in 2006, 'Goose' has treaded a fine line between long-term recovery and playing football again.
He had a rod inserted in the leg, followed by numerous other operations and then suffered foot stress fractures related to the original injury.
When he came to the Lions prior to 2010, walking was an effort for Maguire as he constantly had to manage his injuries.
Despite still needing to nurse his body through the season, things have turned.
He will play his 50th game for the Lions against Melbourne on Saturday night and the 149th of his career.
"I feel more able now than I did three or four years ago when I first came to the club," Maguire said.
"It's about being smart, not trying to overdo it during the week.
"I have one good hit-out, and the rest of the time I just make sure the rest of my body is feeling good and I'm ready for the weekend.
"My body feels good. One of the upsides of not over-training as a result of my injuries, it means the rest of my body hasn’t been as battered and bruised as it could be. Touch wood, my only real issue is managing my lower left leg.
"The rest of my body, my knees and my hips, are in good working order for a 29-year-old."
Maguire has played on year-to-year contracts the past couple of seasons and is in the same boat again.
With his history he says he doesn't look any further than the next week and will worry about his future when the Lions’ season ends.
"I feel good and healthy and ready to contribute come game day every week. For me, I don’t see any reason why I can't keep competing and giving everything for the club."
Maguire's return has given coach Michael Voss some much-needed flexibility, and might continue to buy him some time in the future.
Maguire, his good mate Joel Patfull, and rookie revelation Justin Clarke have formed a solid three-tall defensive unit in recent weeks.
This has allowed Voss to move Daniel Merrett and Brent Staker to the forward line to partner Jonathan Brown.
The big three up front kicked eight goals in the round 15 win over Gold Coast, and another six in defeating the Kangaroos.
Maguire said he is happy to take the competition's biggest forwards while Clarke continues developing and Merrett plays forward.
"I don't mind being down in the bear cage," he said.
Michael Whiting is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
Ever since his horrific broken left leg suffered for St Kilda against West Coast in 2006, 'Goose' has treaded a fine line between long-term recovery and playing football again.
He had a rod inserted in the leg, followed by numerous other operations and then suffered foot stress fractures related to the original injury.
When he came to the Lions prior to 2010, walking was an effort for Maguire as he constantly had to manage his injuries.
Despite still needing to nurse his body through the season, things have turned.
He will play his 50th game for the Lions against Melbourne on Saturday night and the 149th of his career.
"I feel more able now than I did three or four years ago when I first came to the club," Maguire said.
"It's about being smart, not trying to overdo it during the week.
"I have one good hit-out, and the rest of the time I just make sure the rest of my body is feeling good and I'm ready for the weekend.
"My body feels good. One of the upsides of not over-training as a result of my injuries, it means the rest of my body hasn’t been as battered and bruised as it could be. Touch wood, my only real issue is managing my lower left leg.
"The rest of my body, my knees and my hips, are in good working order for a 29-year-old."
Maguire has played on year-to-year contracts the past couple of seasons and is in the same boat again.
With his history he says he doesn't look any further than the next week and will worry about his future when the Lions’ season ends.
"I feel good and healthy and ready to contribute come game day every week. For me, I don’t see any reason why I can't keep competing and giving everything for the club."
Maguire's return has given coach Michael Voss some much-needed flexibility, and might continue to buy him some time in the future.
Maguire, his good mate Joel Patfull, and rookie revelation Justin Clarke have formed a solid three-tall defensive unit in recent weeks.
This has allowed Voss to move Daniel Merrett and Brent Staker to the forward line to partner Jonathan Brown.
The big three up front kicked eight goals in the round 15 win over Gold Coast, and another six in defeating the Kangaroos.
Maguire said he is happy to take the competition's biggest forwards while Clarke continues developing and Merrett plays forward.
"I don't mind being down in the bear cage," he said.
Michael Whiting is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
