Premiership-winning forward Jack Gunston happy to sacrifice his own glory for team success

He was brought to Brisbane to help the Lions win an AFL premiership, but the overlooked Jack Gunston understood his coach’s decision.

Jack Gunston hasn’t been able to force his way back into Brisbane’s team. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Three-time AFL premiership hero Jack Gunston urged Lions coach Chris Fagan to stick with a winning formula rather than pick him in Brisbane’s team for Saturday’s preliminary final against Carlton at the Gabba.

Gunston, who was regarded as crucial to Brisbane’s flag hopes after joining the Lions in the off-season from Hawthorn, hasn’t played since suffering a knee injury in his side’s six-point win over Adelaide on August 12.

However, the 31-year-old forward was available for selection this week, and his experience in finals would have no doubt proven handy to Brisbane.

“It was a consideration (to select Gunston) but the team’s playing really well, so it’s difficult to change a team that’s going well,” Fagan said on Friday.

“Jack would be the first person to tell you that. He spoke to me about that on Tuesday.

“He said, ‘I know your dilemma, but for what it’s worth, if you leave me out, I fully understand because those guys are going well’.

“He’s seen that in his time at Hawthorn – blokes get in the team and play well, so you can’t jump over the top of them.

“He’s been around for a long time. He has a very selfless approach to it. He’ll be here training with us and passing on all the experiences he’s had over the years.

“It’s nice to know he’s there in the background, and if we’re fortunate enough to get through to next week, he’s an option for us if we need him.”

Jack Gunston has missed selection in Brisbane’s preliminary final team. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

But while Gunston remains a grand final “option” if the Lions reach the decider, Fagan said injured key defender Jack Payne would be no certainty to be recalled.

Fagan had little hesitation in leaving Payne – who is nursing an ankle problem – out of Brisbane’s preliminary final team, particularly considering the experience of his replacement, Darcy Gardiner.

“If we’re good enough to get to the grand final, he (Payne) is going to have to jump through hoops to play because I’m just not going to play injured players in finals,” the Lions coach said.

“I’m not a believer in playing injured players in finals. I’ve never really ever seen that work all that well, and I don’t think it helps the player when he’s got to go out and play injured on the big stage.

“We’ve picked Darcy Gardiner, who we’re very happy to pick. He’s played a lot of footy, (156 AFL) games with our club.

“His season’s been really mucked up by injury but his last six weeks (in the VFL) have been really consistent.

“As unfortunate as it is for Jack and for us that he can’t play because he’s been in the team all year, Darcy’s a fantastic replacement.”

Darcy Gardiner has replaced the injured Jack Payne in Brisbane’s preliminary final team. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

Fagan wasn’t concerned that Gardiner was 4cm shorter and almost 10kg lighter than strongman Payne despite Carlton possessing a tall forward line that included Charlie Curnow, Harry McKay and Tom De Koning.

“It all just depends on the way the ball comes in. That’s always the case,” he said.

“They have a similar problem down the other end with our tall forwards, so it’s pretty even I reckon.”

Fagan said there would be “no excuses” if the “fresh” Lions lost a preliminary final for the third time in four years.

“We’ve been able to play the one final (this season) and get some good rest, so we’re fresh,” he said.

“We’ve got no excuses in that regard. It’s a good position to be in.”