Maguire has not played at AFL level since round six last year but played the majority of St Kilda’s NAB Cup and NAB Challenge matches before spending the past two weeks with VFL club Sandringham.
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon said Maguire was a chance to make his return from a foot injury this week.
“Goose is in contention. They play a lot of tall forwards and he will come in to consideration for players like (Quinten) Lynch and (Ashley) Hansen,” Lyon said.
Maguire and fellow key defender Max Hudghton have missed the first two matches but that hasn’t hindered St Kilda’s defence as it has conceded the fewest points of any team.
Lyon said the tight defence was an indication of St Kilda’s depth in the backline and defensive pressure around the ground.
“A couple have taken their opportunities. It’s been more a team defence, midfield and forward pressure that has enabled the defenders to defend well. We talk about team defence rather than a back six,” Lyon said.
Maguire moved freely at training on Tuesday but in-form midfielder Nick Dal Santo took to the track with strapping on his left knee and only kicked on his non-preferred right foot. Dal Santo is expected to be ready to play against the Eagles.
Another Saint on the path back from injury is Xavier Clarke who has also been making his return through Sandringham. But Lyon said the 25-year-old would only return when he was absolutely ready.
“We’re reluctant to bring in players that are underdone. It’s a bit like the Australian test team, once you’re in there and winning it is hard to break in. He’s certainly putting strong pressure on. He was probably our best player in the twos (last week),” he said.
Lyon, who made the trip to Perth last week to watch West Coast play Port Adelaide said the Eagles would be tough opposition.
“They’ve got all their good players back. They had an injury-interrupted season last year that took its toll. Clearly they’re up and about and could have won their first game that would have had them 2-0.”
