Gardner has spent the last decade playing with Kersbrook in the South Australian Hills league, carving a reputation as a versatile key-position player.

Gardner has played representative football for the league, captained Kersbrook, and won multiple premierships across his career.

Star Jeparit-Rainbow midfielder Shane Maslin said Gardner could have a significant impact.

"I've played a fair bit of football against him in the Hills league," Maslin said.

"He was always in a really good side ... and we normally used to play against him in a final.

"He's tall, but versatile. He's fit as anything, so he can play ruck and follow the ball, but has played a fair bit out of full-forward and centre half-forward the last few years as well."

Gardner booted 43 goals in 17 games last season and was named in his sides best on 10 occasions, as Kersbrook won their way through to another grand final.

"I've been trying to get him (to Jeparit-Rainbow) for years," Maslin said.

"Now he's sort of achieved all he wanted to with Kersbrook ... he thought he'd come over here and play with us for a few years."

Jeparit-Rainbow head coach Dan Batson said Gardner's arrival addressed a key deficiency from last season.

Batson was left to ruck solo in 2019 after the departure of Sam Cranna.

"We were probably a bit undersized last year so he adds a bit more depth there," Batson said.

"By all reports he can go forward, back or through the ruck.

"I think one of the key things was we didn't have a back-up ruckman at all, so he will help a bit through there."

Gardner joins an impressive list of recruits for Jeparit-Rainbow, as the side look to improve upon a first-round exit last season.

Maslin was optimistic about the season ahead.

"It will be interesting to see how those new lads from the NT go, and getting a few blokes back like (Adam Schulz) and Ash Clugston is handy," he said.

"We weren't too far off it last year and it looks like a pretty even season again, outside of Harrow-Balmoral.

"Hopefully it's a good year."

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