Originally from Keilor Park in the Essendon District Football League, McHardy played for the Western Jets in the under-18 TAC Cup competition.
[1] In conjunction with playing for the Jets, McHardy also represented the Victorian Metro team at the 1994 AFL Under 18 Championships.
After starting the 1996 season playing with the reserves, McHardy was called up for his first senior match in round 7, against Sydney.
[4] Playing as a forward pocket, McHardy had an average AFL debut, gathering nine possessions in a losing side.
After managing only five games in three years at the club, Melbourne delisted McHardy at the conclusion of the 1997 season.