2006, Sept. 4, The West Australian, Photo and story “Gardiner in strife as first final looms”. Photo of Michael Gardiner in action. Claremont’s preparations for the first week of finals could be thrown into disarray after exiled AFL ruckman Michael Gardiner got himself into more trouble on Saturday. Gardiner was booked for tripping Peel’s Ash Thornton during the clash at Rushton Park. The incident went largely unnoticed by most of the crowd at the game. he faces another anxious 48 hours to know if he can play for Claremont in the sudden death first round final.. Notably Thornton and Gardiner were training partners at the Eagles.
