Gardiner to take on Dockers

BRISBANE fans are breathing a collective sigh of relief with versatile and courageous defender Darcy Gardiner expected to be fit for Sunday’s clash with Fremantle at Perth’s Optus Stadium.

After losing vice-captain Harris Andrews to the sickening hit from GWS star Jeremy Cameron last Saturday that earned the Giants spearhead a five-week suspension, the Lions could ill afford to also lose Gardiner who suffered an ankle injury in the same match. Gardiner was in considerable pain after rolling his ankle in the first quarter shortly after Andrews was concussed and cut open by Cameron’s flying elbow.

Gardiner had to be assisted from the ground by medical staff and spent a considerable amount of time off the field before hobbling around the Gabba for most of the second quarter.

But Gardiner was superb after halftime, keeping his direct opponent Cameron goalless for the rest of the match.

Gardiner got the better of Cameron when Brisbane played GWS in Round 6 and he restricted superstar Lance Franklin to just one goal in Round 10. His ability to effectively defend both tall and small opposition forwards makes Gardiner a critical part of Brisbane’s side.

His place in the Lions structure is all the more important with Andrews out of action for up to a month.

“Darcy should be fine. There’s no reason to think he won’t be playing,’’ Brisbane football boss David Noble said.