Lions recall Gardiner

BRISBANE have made the one forced change to the side that lost to Richmond at Etihad Stadium on Sunday with Nick Robertson serving a onematch ban for headbutting Tigers skipper Trent Cotchin.

Darcy Gardiner, who is very much in the Robertson mould, returns after making a rapid recovery from a dislocated elbow suffered two weeks ago.

He is in an extended squad that also includes Marco Paparone and Michael Close.

Lions coach Chris Fagan said there had been no need to reprimand the hard-nosed defender.

“I haven’t spoken to him. He came and had a chat to me and he thought he went a bit over what was acceptable and he’ll take his punishment on the chin,’’ he said.

“He’s been fantastic for us this year, a real warrior, a real competitor, and we’ll look forward to having him back in the team.’’