Matt Maguire
A resilient defender whose career spanned two AFL clubs, known for his courage and aerial strength in the backline.
Born 1984 (age 42)·Australian rules footballer, born 1984·Birthday: May 30·Millennials
Biography
Matthew Maguire emerged from the Victorian country football scene, drafted by St Kilda where he quickly became a defensive pillar. His early years were marked by a fearless, physical style of play that made him a fan favorite and a crucial part of the Saints' lineup during their competitive era in the mid-2000s. A severe leg injury in 2006 became a significant hurdle, testing his resilience and altering his trajectory. After a dedicated recovery and over 100 games for St Kilda, he reignited his career with a move to the Brisbane Lions, adding valuable experience and leadership to a young squad before retiring. Maguire's story is one of footballing grit, defined by his ability to return from adversity and contribute meaningfully to two different club cultures.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Matt was born in 1984, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Matt Was Born
The biggest hits of 1984
#1 Movie
Beverly Hills Cop
Best Picture
Amadeus
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Matt's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1984Born
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1989Started school
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1997Became a teenager
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2000Could drive
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2002Could vote
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Turned 21
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2014Turned 30
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2024Turned 40
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 42 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played 99 games for St Kilda Football Club between 2003 and 2009.
- Played 42 games for the Brisbane Lions from 2010 to 2012.
- Was part of St Kilda's 2004 team that reached the preliminary final.
- Known as a key defender, often tasked with shutting down opposition forwards.
Did You Know?
He was drafted by St Kilda with pick number 21 in the 2002 AFL Draft.
His nickname is 'Goose'.
He played his junior football for the North Ballarat Rebels in the TAC Cup.
“You play your role for the team, and you don't take a backward step.”
