Darcy Gardiner is not best 22 for the flag-bearing Brisbane Lions in their premiership defence in 2025, but he will be called upon to suit up for the rest of the campaign after a long-term injury to first-choice full back Jack Payne. The Lions tend to play smallish in back 50 anyway with undersized Ryan Lester as their third key defender, so their structure requires a traditional back-shoulder stopper at full back. This is a specialised role which Gardiner will do his best at, but will continue to be a weakness in the Brisbane line-up that they will hope doesn't get exposed in September.
Darcy Gardiner is not best 22 for the flag-bearing Brisbane Lions in their premiership defence in 2025, but he will be called upon to suit up for the rest of the campaign after a long-term injury to first-choice full back Jack Payne. The Lions tend to play smallish in back 50 anyway with undersized Ryan Lester as their third key defender, so their structure requires a traditional back-shoulder stopper at full back. This is a specialised role which Gardiner will do his best at, but will continue to be a weakness in the Brisbane line-up that they will hope doesn't get exposed in September.
Gardiner deep in weeds
A reliable key post throughout the Lions defensive rise, Darcy Gardiner enjoyed his first perfect durability record in 2019. Tasked with manning the likes of De Goey, Membrey and Betts, Gardiner limited both key forwards and crumbing types alike. With a game built heavily on negating, the Lion produced a single match above the 20-disposal mark. Gardiner will be required to perform similarly to his 2019 exploits, tasked with nullifying the influence of the opponent's dangerous offensive weapons. Unfortunately for fantasy purposes, that skillset rarely yields positive outcomes. Avoid without question.
Darcy Gardiner has been a swingman in recent years but has settled at centre half forward since the departure of Josh Schache. In that position he has not proven to be a fantasy scorer of any worth, particularly as his goalkicking skills are not really up to AFL standards. Tonight he is likely to be asked to keep James Sicily occupied so that the other forwards can lead without the Hawk zoning off to intercept.
Machete needed for Gardiner
Circumstances conspired to force Darcy Gardiner to play key defender for most of 2018 through injury, plus Daniel McStay moving forward to cover for the departed Josh Schache. He was once again part of a bottom four defence. He injured a PCL in January, severely interrupting his preseason. Gardiner will be hoping Jack Payne and Sam Skinner can get on the park this year to allow him to play his more natural game without having to climb over the backs of gorillas. None of his futures involved fantasy relevance, even before the injury which may even end up losing him his place.
Overgrown weeds for Gardiner
The AFL trend towards shorter forward lines suits Darcy Gardiner, who is more comfortable on titchy opponents. He tended to take the most dangerous medium-sized forward, with only patchy results as he was easily overcome when the team was routed. Brisbane is not a good team, and it's plodders like Gardiner who are a major reason why. If you're in any sort of form as a forward, you can probably get a hold of Gardiner. It helps that you get a lot of supply against the Lions! Gardiner is not fantasy relevant.
