Hardwick started the year hoping to cement a berth in Hawthorn’s best 22 and ended it as runner-up in the Peter Crimmins Medal. The medium-size deep defender was rarely beaten in one-on-one contests, be it in the air or at ground level, and his acceleration from the contest, his brilliant disposal and his super-competitiveness made him a huge weapon coming out of defence. Hardwick was one of five Hawks to play every game last season and has re-signed until the end of 2021. Player honours: 2nd best and fairest 2018; NAB AFL Rising Star nominee 2017. Draft history: 2015 NAB AFL Draft 3rd round selection (Hawthorn) No. 44 overall.At a Glance Junior Club: Beverly Hills (VIC) Clubs: - Debut: 2016 Recruited from: Eastern U18 Brownlow votes: 0 Player Sponsorship Gold Veruse Airey's Inlet General Store Silver Summer and Jesse Wootten