Hardie was selected to play against in what would turn out to be his last game for Footscray. The Hawks, eventual premiers that season, won by 70 points, bringing to a sorry end a season that had begun with great promise. From an individual perspective, Hardie had an outstanding season, winning his second Tassie Medal, Footscray's best and fairest and earning an All-Australian selection. But by October, it was clear that Hardie had fallen out with Malthouse, and he publicly vowed not to play again for Footscray while Malthouse was coach.