Gardiner forward thinking

Lion enjoying the switch

Experienced Brisbane defender Darcy Gardiner will welcome a move to the Lions’ forward line if it means more game time this season.

Gardiner (pictured) has played almost exclusively in the backline during an AFL career that is entering its 11th year.

However, Lions coach Chris Fagan has used Gardiner as a forward during the pre-season, with the 28-year-old Queenscliff product’s performances including a five-goal haul in an intra-club trial.

“It’s something different for me after playing down back for most of my career,” said Gardiner, who only made four topflight appearances in an injury-marred 2023 season.

“It’s good fun. It’s been a good challenge. I’ve been enjoying it.

“I’ve never actually trained anywhere but down back, so it’s been good to do it.

“I’ve learnt a bit more about the game and how things actually work, which has been good for me as well.”

Gardiner said Fagan wanted to add more depth to Brisbane’s forward line “in case something was to happen”.

The move has added another string to Gardiner’s bow and could improve his chances of being picked for the Lions’ opening game of the season, against Carlton at the Gabba on Friday week.

“If it gets me out there playing games, I’ll be happy to do it,” he said. “I’m just going out there with whatever I get asked to do and going with it.

“We’ll see what happens over the next couple of weeks and how the team shapes up.

“You can (also) learn a few tricks here that can help you when you swing back the other way.”

It was only a late-season ankle injury suffered by Jack Payne that opened the door for Gardiner to play in last season’s preliminary final and the grand final after making only two appearances during the regular season. Payne looms as a likely selection for the “Opening Round” match, with Gardiner perhaps in a battle with Ryan Lester for a spot in Brisbane’s defence. However, when off-season recruit Tom Doedee returns from his serious knee injury – possibly as early as Brisbane’s game against Collingwood on March 28 – Gardiner could find it even tougher to secure a spot in the backline.

The Lions complete their pre-season campaign on Thursday night with a Community Series clash against the Sydney Swans at Blacktown International Sports Park.

Brisbane talisman Lachie Neale, who had off-season groin surgery, is due to make his first appearance of the preseason, while Jarrod Berry (shoulder) and Deven Robertson (wrist) are also expected to return.