Gardner started 2019 as a Footscray VFL player, was taken by the Western Bulldogs at pick 6 in that year's mid-season rookie draft, and made his AFL debut in round 11, one week after being drafted. The 197cm defender, who earlier spent three years on Geelong's list, played 22 games in his best season in 2022. He has played 58 AFL games and kicked 4 goals.