He grew up in Mitcham attending Nunawading Primary School and Mullauna Secondary College.

[3] Hardwick made his debut in a 19-point win against Carlton in round 19, 2016, at Aurora Stadium in Launceston, recording eight disposals and kicking a behind.

[4] He earned a Rising Star nomination in Round 15, 2017, after a string of solid performances, finishing the match with 19 disposals at 94 per cent efficiency, five tackles and three marks in a 24-point win over Collingwood.

On August 14, 2017, Hardwick signed a two-year contract extension keeping him at Hawthorn until the end of 2019.

He played every game of the 2018 season, kicking his first goal at AFL level and finishing second in Hawthorn's best and fairest award, the Peter Crimmins Medal, behind 2018 Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell.