BRISBANE Lions defender Darcy Gardiner has signed a three-year deal with the club.

Gardiner, 21, will be contracted until the end of 2019. 

Lions list manager Peter Schwab told the club's website that Gardiner was an important part of the backline in light of recent losses.

"We're very pleased that Darcy has committed to the club for another three years," Schwab said. 

"Darcy is integral to our side's defence, particularly after the departures of Dan Merrett and Justin Clarke, and he'll only continue to develop.

"Our strategy for the years ahead is to develop our talent and build a team that can win our next premiership, and Darcy is very much a part of those plans."

Gardiner was drafted at No. 22 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft. He played 18 games this year for a career total of 43.