BRISBANE Lions coach Chris Fagan said there was no need to have a chat with Nick Robertson after being suspended earlier this week – the rugged utility beat him to it.

Robertson will miss his first game of the year on Sunday when the Lions host Carlton after he accepted a one-match ban for head-butting Richmond captain Trent Cotchin.

"He came and had a chat to me," Fagan said. 

"He thought he went a bit over what was acceptable and he’ll take his punishment on the chin." 

On Monday, Lions captain Dayne Beams said he loved Robertson’s aggression, but the 22-year-old would have to make smarter decisions in the future. 

"He’s been fantastic for us this year," Fagan said. 

"A real warrior, a real competitor, and we’ll look forward to having him back in the team."

Tough defender Darcy Gardiner has made a rapid recovery from his dislocated elbow sustained just over two weeks ago and is expected to be picked to play the Blues.

Fagan said Brendon Bolton’s men presented a difficult challenge, with their tight defence and disciplined approach. 

"They’ve been on their journey a bit longer than we have.

"They started last year with 'Bolts' and are a bit more progressed than we are.

"Fundamentally we’ll play our way and not get caught up in what they’re doing.

"I think we tend to play better when we focus on what we do."