AFL 2022: Brisbane Lions vice-captain Harris Andrews ‘absolutely’ wants defender Darcy Gardiner to re-sign

An underrated defender’s playing future is firmly in focus after Brisbane’s season ended in a lopsided preliminary final defeat to Geelong.

Darcy Gardiner was one of the Lions’ best in their preliminary final loss but is yet to re-sign for next year. Picture: Getty Images

A shattered Harris Andrews has made an impassioned plea for free agent Darcy Gardiner to stay at the Lions as the brutal post-mortem of a heavy preliminary final defeat begins.

Brisbane exceeded expectations to win two finals – over Richmond, then Melbourne – and go within one more of its first grand final berth since 2004, but copped a 71-point hiding from Geelong on Friday night.

The Lions already promise to look different next year, with consensus No.1 draft pick, father-son prospect Will Ashcroft, set to arrive and strong links to out-of-contract Bulldog Josh Dunkley.

Daniel McStay will soon reveal his intention to join Collingwood as a free agent but less certain is what will happen with dependable defender Gardiner, who was arguably Brisbane’s best player against the Cats.

Gardiner held Cameron to just one goal in 97 minutes directly opposed to the triple All-Australian despite Geelong racking up almost 60 inside 50s.

The 26-year-old, who has played 153 games, is a restricted free agent, so the Lions can match any offer he potentially receives.

Darcy Gardiner is yet to reveal his plans for next year. Picture: Getty Images

“We absolutely love and respect him. He’s one of our great trademark players,” Andrews said.

“The way he puts his body on the line, week to week; he’s a bit of a battered, bruised character at times but gets on the horse each week and gets out and plays well.

“I’m sure it will all look after itself. He’s much loved around the footy club, so absolutely we want to keep him.”

Andrews said the defeat left “a sick taste” in his mouth and he went as far as apologising to Lions fans for what they dished up.

But the vice-captain pledged Brisbane would do whatever it could to return bigger and better for season 2023, with Geelong serving as an inspiration for him.

“You look at teams like the Cats, for example – they’ve played in 12 of the last 16 prelims and we want, as a footy club, to have that sustained success,” Andrews said.

Harris Andrews had an engrossing duel with Geelong champion Tom Hawkins. Picture: Michael Klein

“To play two prelims in three years is exciting, but clearly we haven’t been able to take the next step in those big prelim games.

“But I still felt like we took some steps forwards this year, in regards to breaking a hoodoo at the MCG supposedly, and winning a couple of big finals as well.

“There’s certainly so much scope (for improvement) ahead for us.”

The Lions could score a special consolation prize on Sunday night if midfield star Lachie Neale can win a second Brownlow Medal in three years.

“It’d be awesome for him to get some reward for the awesome year that he’s had,” Andrews said.

“He’s one of the great team players and he’ll be absolutely hurting but I’m sure the boys will get around him and wrap an arm around him if he does win it regardless.”