BIO

From Wantima in the south eastern ranges, 24 kms east of Melbourne, Kieran McGuinness was drafted by the Western Bulldogs in 2001. He made his AFL debut in 2002, and played 26 games before he was delisted at the end of the 2006 season.

McGuinness joined Norwood in 2007, making his SANFL debut in round one and playing 20 games in his first season with the Redlegs. He was runner-up in the best and fairest award and was named competitor of the year. 

In 2008 he travelled overseas, but returned to The Parade for the 2009 season.

McGuinness took over where he had left off. A good kick and a strong intercept mark, the talented left-footer was an excellent reader of the play and ideally suited to defence. He played another 20 games and was third in the best and fairest awards.

In 2010 he played his 50th game for the club and was rewarded with the coveted Bob "Smokey" Dawson best team man award (24 games). Norwood were narrowly beaten by Central Districts in the Grand Final.

Going from strength to strength and after a remarkably consistent year, he was named the club's best and fairest for 2011 (22 games). He also gained selection in the 2011 West End State team.

McGuinness was appointed club captain for 2012, but a serious injury requiring a knee reconstruction saw him restricted to just three appearances in the team's premiership season. His off-field leadership during his rehabilitation proved to be invaluable.

Re-appointed captain for 2013, the creative defender played 20 games and led the team to a Grand Final win against North Adelaide. He also reached the 100 game milestone during the year.

McGuinness had an outstanding 2014, leading the club to another flag against arch-rivals Port Adelaide and winning the best and fairest (21 games) in another most consistent season.

He then returned to Victoria to spend more time with his family.

McGuinness joined the Northern Blues (VFL) as a player/development coach before injury forced him into retirement in 2016.

R. Cialini   December, 2022.