 In early 2006 his chances of maintaining his position received a boost with Gardiner receiving an indefinite suspension from the club due to disciplinary issues.After being relegated to the WAFL upon the return of Gardiner in Round 13, he was brought back when Dean Cox broke his collarbone in the same game.He and Gardiner's first tandem game was a blowout, with Hawthorn's Peter Everitt beating them convincingly.