Gardiner missed last Saturday's victory over Port Adelaide, but Lions coach Chris Fagan said he had ticked off the protocols and was available to face the Dockers at the Gabba.

He is likely to walk straight back into Brisbane's back seven, meaning someone from the watertight unit that kept Port quiet will miss out.

Brisbane conceded just one goal from 18 inside 50s in the first quarter against Ken Hinkley's men and finished the match with just five goals against from 58 entries.

"Our backline was really good," Fagan said.

"The (wet) conditions helped a bit, the pressure up the field helped a bit. The backline guys rely on how the ball comes in, more often than not.

"We did a good job of making sure it wasn't coming in with any real flow, so it gave them a chance.

"They're good problems to have. As a coach you always want it to be a hard exercise to pick your team."

Irishman James Madden made his debut last week and would appear vulnerable, although his blistering speed is appealing against small forwards.

One man whose spot is safe is Marcus Adams, who has played the past five matches after missing most of 2020 with a broken foot.

The 27-year-old has played as the second key defender alongside Harris Andrews and rarely been beaten.

"He's so brave in the air and he's so strong as well, difficult to play against," Fagan said.

"I’m glad for Marcus because he's had such a wretched run with injury, and I think he felt himself he was letting the team down, so for him to get a bit of consistency week after week is just reward for a lot of hard work."

Midfielder Jarrod Berry will be unavailable for a third straight match with a groin problem.

Fagan said Berry had resumed running but put no timeframe on his return.