The Brisbane Lions are set to contest the suspensions of co-captain Harris Andrews and defender Darcy Gardiner at the AFL tribunal in an effort to secure their availability for the upcoming match against the Sydney Swans. This decision follows a challenging match on March 2, 2024, where the Lions suffered a narrow five-point defeat to the Western Bulldogs.
Andrews received a three-match suspension for striking Artie Jones during a loose ball contest. The incident occurred when Andrews attempted to spoil the ball but inadvertently swung his arm back, striking Jones in the face and resulting in a concussion for the Bulldogs forward. The AFL’s match review officer, Michael Christian, classified the incident as careless conduct with severe impact and high contact.
In a statement released on Monday, a Lions’ spokesperson confirmed the club’s decision to appeal both the suspensions of Andrews and Gardiner. Gardiner, who received a one-match ban for a late forearm hit on forward Aaron Naughton, was penalized for careless conduct, medium impact, and high contact. The Lions opted not to contest the ban imposed on midfielder-forward Zac Bailey, who was also suspended for one match after elbowing Michael Sellwood during a scuffle.
Prominent commentator David King, a former player for North Melbourne, expressed his belief that Andrews’ punishment was excessive. Speaking on SEN, King argued that Andrews did not have the intention to harm Jones: “There was no intention (to hurt) – it’s a rarity,” he stated, advocating for a reduction of the suspension from three weeks to one.
The Lions are navigating a tough schedule ahead, with matches against the Swans, St Kilda at Marvel Stadium, and Collingwood on Easter Thursday lined up in the coming weeks. They will have a bye in round two, which adds to the urgency of securing Andrews and Gardiner’s participation.
As the Lions prepare for their next game, the outcome of the tribunal’s decision will significantly impact their lineup and strategy moving forward in the season.
