Hardwick, who will play as a defender for the Hawks in 2026 after being tried as a swingman at times in the past two seasons, said there was no longer a chance for a breather or a lapse in concentration as the rule meant play would resume instantly.
“It is just noticing the rule as fast as you can if it does go out, switching on and being ready to defend,” Hardwick said.
Western Bulldogs teammates Rory Lobb and Ed Richards are ready to take on each other on Saturday night in State of Origin. Credit: Jason South
“At the intra-club [games] you forget that is a rule, and you get ready for a stoppage, and it [the ball] is coming right back. It will be the same for every club, and should make the game more exciting for the fans too.”
Hawthorn fans still rue the controversial insufficient-intent decision paid against Karl Amon in their final-round loss to the Brisbane Lions last season; a ruling that cost the Hawks a goal and became a significant talking point post-match as the result affected top-eight positions.
Such an incident remains open to umpire interpretation in 2026, as the last-touch rule only applies between the 50-metre arcs.
Hardwick also said the rule allowing umpires to restart play via a ball-up without a nominated ruckman being at the stoppage could also catch defenders on the hop.
Chris Scott will coach Victoria in State of Origin against WA on Saturday nightCredit: AFL Photos
“You just don’t have much time to reset and set up defensively,” he said.
The accelerated game means the Hawks, who move the ball quickly to attack but transition rapidly from attack to defence, will need to be well-drilled and alert to maintain their status as strong defenders, having conceded the third-least number of points last season. It could also make the State of Origin match a different spectacle compared to last year’s matches.
Twice runner-up in the Hawks best and fairest award, Hardwick is one of the game’s most respected defenders.
His inclusion in the Victorian team was only a surprise to him, particularly after his outstanding finals series, including an influential elimination final performance against the Giants, nullifying their skipper Toby Greene.
The pair are likely to be Victorian teammates on Saturday, a situation Hardwick welcomed.
“I have had front-row seats to some of the things he can do over the years,” he said.
Hardwick jumped at the opportunity to play State of Origin, saying he expects the contest to be fierce, despite it being the first match of the season for those involved.
Anyone who has watched the 28-year-old train knows he plays the game at full intensity, regardless of the stakes.
“Everyone is going at 100 per cent,” Hardwick said. “It is a game I don’t think either team wants to lose. It’s going to be pretty full on.”
The Victorians are expected to make one change to the team already named publicly, with Gold Coast spearhead Ben King replacing Coleman Medal winner Jeremy Cameron, who is still rehabilitating from the broken arm he suffered during last year’s grand final.
King kicked 71 goals in 2025 and is the fifth Sun to be involved in the match that will start with Victoria as overwhelming favourites. King is one of the most sought-after players in the AFL in 2026, clubs aware he will come out of contract at the end of this season.
Demons lose veteran mid
Andrew Wu and Peter Ryan
Melbourne veteran Jack Viney will miss the start of the home and away season, leaving the Demons with a new-look midfield for the start of the Steven King era.
The Demons will be without Jack Viney’s ball winning abilities in round oneCredit: Getty Images
The premiership midfielder’s absence demonstrates how quickly things have changed at the Demons since Brad Green, club president at that time, told members at the 2024 awards night the club was not trading star midfielder Clayton Oliver to Geelong.
“I know, come round one next year [2025], when I see the first ball bounced and our midfield of Gawn, Viney, Oliver and Petracca … that you Melbourne faithful will be there in full force,” Green said at the time.
Of that fab four, the Demons will now only have Gawn, who is playing for Victoria in the State of Origin match against WA on Saturday night, in the centre square when they take on the Saints at the MCG in round one on March 15.
In round one, Max Gawn will be the last man standing of the star-studded midfield that took Melbourne to the 2021 premiership. Credit: The Age
Norm Smith medallist Christian Petracca will restart his career for Gold Coast and four-time best and fairest winner Oliver for the Giants in opening round, while Viney will be on the sidelines.
Key defender Steven May’s future is under a cloud because of personal issues that saw him absent from training last week, while Jai Culley fractured his arm on Friday after an impressive pre-season on the wing.
They also have a new club president in Steven Smith, new CEO Paul Guerra and King as their new coach. Green remains on the club board.
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Melbourne remain confident Viney will play a significant amount of football this season despite enduring an interrupted pre-season due to an Achilles tendon injury that is not responding to treatment as well as they hoped.
A club source with direct knowledge of the matter said the main stumbling block, however, for Viney in the coming weeks would be his capacity to build his fitness to the level required to perform, given his preparation is also being compromised by back soreness.
Viney was an observer at group training last week, and did not take part in any running or skill work on the sidelines.
He had trained earlier in the morning so, as a senior player, he could help out the coaches during the session.
With Petracca and Oliver gone, Viney injured and Jake Bowey nursing a foot injury, the Demons will be without four players who finished top 10 in their best and fairest award last year.
The addition of Saints midfielder Jack Steele during last year’s trade period will help cover for Viney’s absence, while Kysaiah Pickett, Trent Rivers and young gun Harvey Langford can expect more time in the midfield this season.
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