Hardie's free-running style of play did not always sit well with Footscray coach Mick Malthouse, a disciplinarian who favoured teamwork over individual skill. There were signs of trouble between them during the Round 16 match against at the Western Oval when Hardie was ordered to the bench during the second quarter. Richmond had employed a blocking strategy to cut off his attacking play from defense, which saw the Tigers take a three-point lead into the half-time break. However, Hardie was returned to the field in the third quarter and ended up being among Footscray's best in a 27-point win. Things came to a head during Footscray's Round 21 match against at VFL Park. During the third quarter, Footscray coach Malthouse ordered Hardie off the field, reportedly frustrated with his lack of defensive accountability on his opponents. In response, Hardie took off his jumper and waved it defiantly at Malthouse. Footscray went on to lose the match by 79 points, which virtually ended their chances of participating in the finals series. Hardie left the ground straight after the game and was placed under a media ban by the club. He failed to attend a 10 a.m. training session the following day. That Monday, Hardie and Malthouse met for a two-hour discussion, after which Malthouse denied that there was a rift between him and Hardie.