Brisbane defensive rock Darcy Gardiner says he's just glad to be playing footy again after overcoming a knee injury that lingered much longer than expected.

Gardiner was a late withdrawal from last year's preliminary final and wasn't sighted again until two weeks ago against the Western Bulldogs.

In between times he rested, rehabilitated, underwent a small operation and eventually worked his way back into the best 22.

The 25-year-old did not take part in any extended match simulation and no practice matches at any level before being thrust back into the fray.

"We tried to play a couple of (VFL practice) games," Gardiner said.

"I had a sore groin one week and the following week we had the COVID bubble stuff up here, so the game got called off.

"With the training I'd done previously, and I was able to get a solid session in, they (medical staff and coaches) were confident enough I could play.

"It's been good so far and I've been able to keep on top of it."

Alongside dual All Australian Harris Andrews, Gardiner has formed the bedrock of the Lions' defence for most of his 126 games.

He was solid under-fire against the Bulldogs and strong against Essendon last week.

"You've always got a few queries, but I was pretty confident in what the high performance staff and rehab crew have done for me," Gardiner said.

"It was just a matter of pulling up well with the contact side of things.

"I'm not a great watcher, especially with a few close games early in the year.

"The prelim hurt a lot, I would have loved to have been out there to help.

"I'm quite competitive so it's not an easy job."

Gardiner said he was expecting plenty of work against Carlton on Saturday, anticipating a quick game under the Marvel Stadium roof.

"They've got a lot of speed off half-back. They're quite quick to move the ball and get it into their key forwards," he said.

"They're quite dangerous in all aspects of the ground. It's a big challenge."