ST KILDA coach Ross Lyon says Matt Maguire has a long-term future at the club, despite again missing senior selection for Sunday’s clash with Richmond.

The defender has not played senior footy since round seven last year and has had a horror run with injury. After badly breaking his leg in 2006, he played in round one the following season before a foot injury ruled him out until round 14.

Stress fractures restricted him to only the four matches in 2008, and despite strong VFL form at Sandringham this season, he continues to be overlooked by the match committee, prompting speculation the 25-year-old should weigh up his trade options for 2010.

Asked if he still figured in Lyon’s long-term plans he said ‘certainly’, and added he was still very highly regarded.

“He’s playing quite good football in the VFL and he’s carrying himself well Monday to Friday,” he said at Linen House Oval on Friday morning.

“He loves being part of St Kilda and he’s continually improving his body after a well documented and horrific injury.”

The stability of an undefeated senior team that has only used 26 players and is experiencing its best ever start to a season is clearly not helping Maguire get an opportunity, but Lyon said down the track he could still be a very important player.
 
“The team is obviously playing very well, but it’s not only Matt waiting for an opportunity,” he said.

“I’ve got [David] Armitage, Jack Steven, Raph Clarke and Colm Begley – so there are a number of players in the same position that are fighting to get a spot in the seniors.

“While players keep delivering I’m not going to make changes for the sake of it.”

While Maguire has made his name as a defender in AFL circles, some strong VFL performances in attack, including a five-goal haul against the Northern Bullants last month, led to talk he could build on his 99 senior games as a forward.

Lyon said he continued to give honest feedback to all players about their potential role at the club, and Maguire was still seen as a contributor down back.

“Max [Hudghton]... we envisage it will probably be his last year. We see Matt as a tall defender that’s valued, and we know other clubs are watching him, but he’s clearly stated he’s a St Kilda person and that he’d like to stay here,” he said.

The St Kilda coach revealed he had had some in depth chats with Maguire about his injury situation in the past, and they were both ‘singing from the same page’.