Darcy Gardiner Biography

Oscar McInerney says he hated being a talking point ahead of the 2024 Grand Final. Not just because he wasn't playing, but because he wasn't the only one missing out.

"If you had told me when I first walked in the footy club that I would see my boys win a flag you would take that any day of the week when I was a naïve 21-year-old walking into a club that was struggling and rebuilding," he said.

"I feel a bit fraudulent that there is all this news. 'Oh, Oscar', they've all got stories. Darcy Gardiner has poured his heart and soul into the club, destroyed his body every contest and now he gets his opportunity. They're the guys you want to do it for."

Harris Andrews says having Darcy Gardiner alongside him in Brisbane's backline is "extra motivation" to chase a second premiership.

Gardiner was one of four regular best-22 Lions to miss last year's Grand Final triumph through injury, but has vaulted back to prominence with an outstanding close to this season.

"He's such a hard-working and desperate footballer," Andrews said of Gardiner.

"He's so reliable out on the ground. He obviously missed last year, which was disappointing, but he's such a great club guy he just gets on with it and is happy to play any position on the field.

"Whatever is best for the team, he does.

"I absolutely love running out with him each and every week. It's been great to have him back."

Darcy Gardiner and Lincoln McCarthy will miss the rest of the 2024 season after scans confirmed the pair had both torn anterior cruciate ligaments during the Lions' win over the Suns.

Dayne Zorko will captain Brisbane in 2019 after the club announced an eight-man leadership group that also included recruit Lachie Neale.

Along with Neale, rugged defender Darcy Gardiner and young midfielder Jarrod Berry have been added.

They join established leaders Harris Andrews, Stefan Martin, Ryan Lester and Allen Christensen.

Darcy Gardiner is playing it cautious but is optimistic of overcoming a knee injury to be fit for the season start.

Gardiner suffered a PCL injury to his right knee at a training session in Hobart last month and is still sporting a heavy brace.

"I've had a few injuries before so I understand it and how they work, be patient with it, let thing heal up, there's no point rushing back for one week and doing something to it again," he said.

Darcy Gardiner will miss up to eight weeks after injuring the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Scans confirmed the news after Gardiner landed awkwardly in a contest during Brisbane's match simulation session at its pre-season camp in Hobart.

"We're hopeful Darcy will have recovered by the start of the season," Lions football manager David Noble said.

"He will be able to remain active while in recovery."

Darcy Gardiner signs a contract extension with Brisbane to remain at the club until the end of 2022.

"I did not hesitate at all to extend my contract," Gardiner said.

"I’ve felt the last few years the team is heading in the right, positive direction and it is something I want to be part of."

Darcy Gardiner will take five months to recover from surgery to his dislocated right shoulder.

Gardiner will undergo the procedure this week after suffering the injury in the opening quarter of the Lions' 31-point loss to Collingwood.

"Darcy’s had a wonderfully consistent year for us and has formed an integral part in the growth of our backline," Lions general manager of football David Noble said.

"We look forward to his return in the 2019 pre-season."

A dislocated left elbow will likely see Darcy Gardiner out for the season after he was sent to hospital during the Lions' eight-point win against Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

Gardiner, 21, was injured in the first quarter when he attempted to tackle Bombers forward Orazio Fantasia and went straight down to the rooms.

"I don't think there's any fracture but (there's) certainly an elbow dislocation," Brisbane coach Chris Fagan said.

"With an injury like that, it wouldn't surprise me if that's season done.

"It's a pity for him that he wasn't here to enjoy the win because he's such a hard worker for us."

Darcy Gardiner signs a three-year deal with Brisbane that will keep him at the club until the end of 2019.

"We're very pleased that Darcy has committed to the club for another three years," Lions list manager Peter Schwab said.

"Darcy is integral to our side's defence, particularly after the departures of Dan Merrett and Justin Clarke, and he'll only continue to develop."

Darcy Gardiner requires reconstructive shoulder and ankle surgery and will miss the remainder of the season.

The banged-up second-year player dislocated his shoulder against the Sydney Swans on Sunday and was subbed out of the match early.

Gardiner had carried shoulder and ankle problems for much of the season and was hopeful of seeing out the year.

The knock to the shoulder put an end to that and he will now undergo multiple rounds of surgery, starting next week.

The ankle will be done first so he can use his arms with the crutches he will need for a month or so, and then the shoulder will be rebuilt.

Football manager Dean Warren said Gardiner's loss was a blow.

"He is a lovely kid, quiet around the club but once he crosses the line he is fiercely competitive, that's what we love about him," Warren said.

"He does big jobs for us, he gives away a bit in size and obviously experience, but for a young kid most of the time is very hard to play on. He prides himself on that."

Darcy Gardiner has capped a memorable few days by being named the round 19 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.

Fresh off signing a contract extension last Friday, Gardiner played a key role in the Lions' scrappy 23-point win over Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

The 191cm backman took a career-high 12 marks opposed to Jack Watts, Chris Dawes and James Frawley.

He also collected 18 possessions – which he used at an elite 94 per cent efficiency – to earn the Rising Star gong.

"That was one of the pleasing bits of it my ball use was a lot better than it has been at times, especially getting a bit more of it than usual," Gardiner said.

"The way Melbourne played allowed us to get a bit more involved as defenders."

Darcy Gardiner signs a one-year extension with Brisbane, keeping him a Lion until the end of 2016.

Darcy Gardiner makes his AFL debut for Brisbane at the Gabba with 11 disposals (6 kicks and 5 handballs), 2 marks, a tackle and 1 hitouts in a 43-point loss to Richmond.

The Lions select key defender Darcy Gardiner (No.22) and lightning quick midfielder Lewis Taylor (No.28), both from the Geelong Falcons, in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft.

"We really wanted a tall defender. We thought Darcy Gardiner was the best tall defender in this pool," Lions' recruiting manager Stephen Conole said.

"Lewis Taylor adds some dash and some panache to our group, so when he was still available we were rapt and more than happy to add Lewis to our list."