Updated July 6, 2011 13:52:00 Brisbane defender Matt Maguire wants a contract extension so he can complete some unfinished business at his second club.
Maguire is one of a number of senior players whose careers are in the balance due to the Lions unofficial youth policy and their determination to rebuild the club from the ground up.
The 27-year-old arrived from St Kilda for the start of the 2010 season as one of half a dozen recycled players - including fallen idol Brendan Fevola - who coach Michael Voss hotly pursued for a quick-fix finals solution.
However it all came unstuck, particularly in Fevola's case, midway through last season and the club is wilting financially and on the field.
Maguire admits he is playing for his future and is under pressure from the side's emerging talent because the Lions have blooded 10 players this season.
"You feel like that a lot of a time that there are a lot players pushing to play," he said.
"I put myself under as much pressure from the club or external perceptions.
"I'm definitely keen and really enjoying my time at Brisbane.
"I haven't hit my best form by any stretch.
"There's still a lot of improvement in me."
Maguire has played 22 of a possible 36 matches since arriving and due to the absence of Daniel Merrett (back) he will most likely be guarding Hawthorn match-winner Lance Franklin in Launceston on Saturday.
If Franklin recovers from an ankle problem, it will be the second big assignment for the Lions' defender in as many weeks having been responsible for Port Adelaide's Jay Schulz who bagged seven goals at the Gabba last Sunday.
"(Franklin) is a tough one to play because he can do everything," Maguire said.
"He can get up the field and burn you on the way back in one-on-one contests and he's very good on the ground.
"If I get the job on him this week I will try and negate his running ability and keep him out of as many contests as possible.
"It's not going to be one player that beats us."
Maguire drew parallels between his early years at the Saints when they were struggling and relentlessly blooding new talent and the Lions' 2011 season.
"At St Kilda in my second year we were playing a lot of kids and it was about trying to get as many games into those kids as we could," Maguire said.
"I was lucky to be one of those who got a few extra games and the next year we were in the finals."
- AAP
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brisbane-4000 First posted July 6, 2011 13:09:00
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