Brisbane Lions defender Darcy Gardiner’s future beyond this season yet to be settled

Lions milestone man Darcy Gardiner is off contract and yet to re-sign with Brisbane.

Lions defender Darcy Gardiner is off contract at the end of the season. Picture: Paul Kane / Getty Images

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has urged the club’s list management team to confirm the Lions’ future of “warrior” Darcy Gardiner.
The rugged defender, who turns 27 next month, is off contract at the end of the season, and is yet to re-sign with the Lions.

Fagan left no doubt he wanted Gardiner, who makes his 150th AFL appearance on Friday night when the Lions meet St Kilda at Marvel Stadium, to remain in Brisbane beyond this year.

“I’d love him to be with the club … but I don’t do the contracts,” Fagan said on Thursday.

“That’s something our list management does, and hopefully that all gets sorted pretty soon.

“I hope he plays many more games for the Lions.”

Fagan said Gardiner plays a “particularly important” role for Brisbane.

“He’s a warrior; he’s hard to play against, a real competitor, hates being beaten and has continued to grow and develop his game,” he said.

“In marking contests, he’ll be the one that puts on a screen to allow his teammate to mark the ball.

“He’s always thinking about what he can do to make his teammates better and they’re really aware of that.”

Darcy Gardiner will make his 150th AFL appearance on Friday night. Picture: Russell Freeman / AFL Photos via Getty Images

Queenscliff product Gardiner debuted for the Lions in 2014 after being chosen by Brisbane as the 22nd overall pick in 2013 national draft.

“He’s been at Brisbane through tough times,” Fagan said.

“When he first started as a young player, he had to play on some pretty good players with the ball coming inside 50 on a regular basis.

“I’m so pleased he’s got to experience relative success with this group.

“I’m very grateful to have him in our team.”

Gardiner said he had “loved every minute” of his time with the Lions.

“I’ll let that (contract) get done behind the scenes, and worry about the footy for now,” he said.

Gardiner is part of a Lions defensive unit which will be without Marcus Adams on Friday night, with the strongman having been ruled out with concussion.

“When guys have come in, they haven’t looked out of place one bit, so we’re not worried at all,” he said.

The Lions can guarantee themselves a spot in the top four by beating the Saints and Melbourne in the remaining two rounds of the regular season.

“We’ve just got to win those two games and let the rest take care of itself,” Gardiner said.

“It’s a position you want to be in. We’ll embrace the challenge.”