Primarily playing at fullback for the province, Guildford is starting to show signs he's near the form he found in 2011 which saw him included in the World Cup squad.
It was after the death of his father in 2008 that Guildford spiralled out of control. His unpredictability, which led him to dizzy heights on the field, began to cost him dearly off it.
"I just didn't feel myself," Guildford said.
Doubts began to creep into his mind questioning whether or not he should even be playing rugby.
Currently contemplating a contract with the Waratahs for next year's Super Rugby season, Guildford has given no thought to the prospect of a return to black.
"I'm happy to be back in the Bay where they play a style more suited to my game."
Guildford has been heavily involved with the squad and in the community since his return from Clermont in France.
He has touched base with the Napier Boys' High School under-15 team - where full-time rugby started for him in 2002.
He spent a day working at Aitkin Construction during the Magpies' "job swap". And he even found time to visit Hastings preschoolers and secondary school students at Hawke's Bay Hospital.
The spring is back in Guildford's step and the tide may be starting to turn on his turbulent career.
The Magpies romped home over Northland in their first true Ranfurly Shield challenge of the season yesterday, and Guildford was again a standout in the 39-10 victory.
