Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has defended under-fire star Harris Andrews as the Lions prepare for a season-defining fortnight before the AFL finals.
Media commentator David King brutally critiqued the dual All-Australian fullback, telling Andrews to "play like a man".
"He's playing bruise-free footy at the moment - he's not playing with physicality," King told Fox Footy on Wednesday night.
Fagan claimed he had not heard King's scathing assessment of the 25-year-old but backed the Lions' vice-captain in to lead the club into September.
"Was that on the back of his (Andrews') game against (Carlton star) Harry McKay last week where he kept him to one goal?," Fagan told reporters at Brisbane Airport on Thursday.
"It's a bit of an unusual way to go on Harris, he certainly doesn't play that way.
"We were proud of his game last week and hopefully he'll continue his good form on (St Kilda forward Max) King this week.
"He's probably had a few games this year where by his own admission he wouldn't have been that happy and people have focused in on that.
"That game against Carlton last week a lot of it swung on the ability of our defenders not to let McKay and Curnow get into the game.
"I'm a little bit surprised to be answering those questions."
Meanwhile, Fagan is hopeful off-contract defender Darcy Gardiner will remain at the Lions beyond this year as rival clubs chase his signature.
Gardiner is a restricted free agent at the end of the season, receiving interest from clubs in his home state of Victoria.
"He's hard to play against, a real competitor, hates being beaten and has continued to grow and develop his game," Fagan said.
"I hope he plays many more games for the Lions."
Gardiner also spoke on Thursday as he prepares to play his 150th game on Friday night when the Lions face St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.
"I've been here for nine years and loved every minute of it," he said.
"I'll let that (contract) get done behind the scenes and worry about the footy."
After their clash with the Saints, the Lions will end the home-and-away season with a Gabba blockbuster against reigning premiers Melbourne in round 23.
