The Brisbane Lions have named experienced defender Darcy Gardiner for Saturday’s Preliminary Final against Carlton, opting not to play Jack Payne.

Despite Payne training on Thursday, the Club made the call not to select the 23-year-old who has been managing a swollen ankle for the past week.

The Lions have instead gone with a fully fit Gardiner, with the 156-game defender also adding some valuable finals experience.

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Senior coach Chris Fagan has listed the quartet of Jarryd Lyons, James Tunstill, Darcy Fort and Darragh Joyce as his emergencies.

The Lions will take on Carlton in a home Preliminary Final at The Gabba on Saturday with the first bounce scheduled for 5:15 EST.

For those not cheering from The Gabba stands, don’t forget to follow the action live on Seven and Fox Footy or by following the Brisbane Lions social channels.