Brisbane Lions to head to tribunal in bid to clear Andrews, Gardiner

5 days ago 9

The Brisbane Lions will attempt to have co-captain Harris Andrews and defender Darcy Gardiner cleared to play against Sydney this week by challenging their suspensions at the AFL tribunal.

However, the Lions have opted not to challenge the one-match ban handed to midfielder-forward Zac Bailey.

Arthur Jones was concussed after an incident with Harris Andrews on Saturday night.

In a heavy fall-out from Saturday night’s shock five-point loss to the Western Bulldogs, Andrews was suspended for three weeks for striking Artie Jones while contesting a loose ball.

After spoiling the ball in a marking contest on centre wing, Harris swung his arm back and collected Jones high, ending the lively forward’s night with concussion.

Andrews had quickly looked over his shoulder to see where Jones was before throwing his left arm out, connecting with Jones’ face.

Match review officer Michael Christian graded the incident as careless conduct, severe impact and high contact.

A Lions’ spokesman confirmed on Monday the club will appeal the Andrews and Gardiner bans.

Former North Melbourne premiership player David King, now a prominent commentator, said Andrews had been harshly dealt with.

“I got smashed for saying this - yes, we’re trying to stamp out concussions - but I thought Andrews meant to body check,” King told SEN.

“He’s flushed him in the face. I said three weeks down to one, and it got hammered on the weekend. There was no intention (to hurt) - it’s a rarity.”

The Lions face the Swans, St Kilda at Marvel Stadium in round three and Collingwood on Easter Thursday in their next three games. They have a bye in round two.

Gardiner was given a one-match ban for a late hit with a forearm to the face of forward Aaron Naughton in the final minutes of the match, conceding a 50-metre penalty.

The incident was graded as careless conduct, medium impact and high contact, prompting a one-week ban.

Bailey, one of the league’s top free agents this season, was handed a one-match ban for elbowing Michael Sellwood in the head during a scuffle on the wing in the third quarter.

The incident was graded as intentional conduct, low impact and high contact, triggering a one-game ban.

The Lions opted not to challenge this decision.