McGuane played his first game of the year with Richmond in a role unfamiliar to him at AFL level - up forward - after playing virtually all his previous six seasons at Tigerland as a defender.
The 25-year-old, however, had been drafted by Richmond (pick 36 overall in the 2004 National Draft) as a forward, and he’d returned to that position this season with Coburg in the VFL.
Following some impressive performances in Coburg’s forward line, McGuane received his senior opportunity against the Demons last Saturday, and he had an instant impact, finishing the match with 13 disposals, four marks, and two goals.
“I’ve been waiting for the opportunity for a while, since I came back from my knee (injury) earlier in the year,” McGuane told ‘Roar Vision’.
“I played two games after the knee and it was right to go, and they gave me the opportunity.
“It was really good to get back out there . . . I really enjoyed it.”
McGuane relished the transition back to the forward line . . .
“I was drafted as a forward, so I didn’t have too much of a problem with the change. It was something different and it gave me a bit of a new lease on life,” he said.
“I think I’ll definitely get better with more games up there, as I haven’t played much forward in the AFL. But I think I’ll definitely accustomise quicker to it than if I hadn’t played forward as a junior, until I was 18.
“ I’m looking forward to building on that . . . Kicking goals is always fun, but the defensive side of playing up forward is something I enjoy as well because I like hitting bodies, tackling, and being aggressive. Hopefully, I can bring to the forward line, a bit of forward pressure.”
McGuane’s goal for the rest of the season is straightforward . . .
“I just want to play the best footy I can for the rest of the year, play my role in the side and, hopefully, concrete that spot.”
