Lions re-sign ‘stoked’ Darcy
De Goey still loose
DARCY Gardiner has ended his contract standoff to ink a three-year deal with Brisbane, leaving Jordan De Goey as the last unsigned restricted free agent.
The 27-year-old defender is an underrated part of the Lions’ success as they prepare for a serious flag push next season, with Josh Dunkley, Jack Gunston and likely No.1 pick Will Ashcroft coming in.
Gardiner had interest from Victorian rivals and took until well beyond Brisbane’s finals exit to re-sign but will remain at the club until at least the end of the 2025 season.
“I love being at the Brisbane Lions and to be staying for at least another three seasons is something I am stoked about,” Gardiner said.
“When you have not only a great team on field but a great group of people at the club, it makes you really enjoy your time together.
“I am really looking forward to the future and hopefully we can achieve something really special.”
The 193cm defender was drafted from Geelong Falcons and played his 150th game in Round 22 against St Kilda.
He forms a strong partnership down back with vice-captain Harris Andrews and one of them is responsible each week for the opposition’s most dangerous key forward.
Gunston told Hawthorn on Wednesday he was exercising his unrestricted free agency rights to join the Lions, where Bulldogs club champDunkley is also heading.
“It’s just that change of lifestyle that does appeal,” Gunston said. “Obviously, (exHawk-turned-Lion) ‘Hodgey’ (Luke Hodge) and ‘Birch’ (Grant Birchall) have done it before.”
Ashcroft is the consensus best player in the 2022 draft class, while another fatherson prospect, Jaspa Fletcher, could also attract a first-round bid.
Brisbane promises to have a hectic trade period as a result, with the Dunkley trade set to go down to the wire as the Lions also try to gather enough draft points to match bids for Ashcroft and Fletcher.
They currently have picks 15, 33, 44 and 69 in this year’s draft.
Coach Chris Fagan remains stood down as the AFL investigates allegations of racism during his time at the Hawks, with Alastair Clarkson and then-Hawthorn president Andrew Newbold also named.