The livewire Gold Coast defender came under fire for his early-game theatrics in the Suns' big defeat of West Coast last Sunday, giving away a 50-metre penalty that led to an easy Eagles goal.
The 22-year-old has a history of boiling over in off-the-ball instances and Hardwick admitted he'd crossed the line in what was otherwise a second-straight comprehensive Suns win to begin the season.
Andrew can expect plenty of attention on Saturday at the MCG against Hardwick's former club Richmond.
But the coach is confident he'll react differently after a chat with his old man.
"He came and saw me (but) his dad rang him, which is also a big one," Hardwick said.Â
"He spoke about how Mac's got a couple of young brothers and, you know, you've got to set an example.
"So my job was done. So, Mr Andrew, thank you very much."
Hardwick reckons the nostalgia of three-flag Tigers stint is past him but expects plenty of boos from the MCG faithful on his return.
"A lot of people that I know and love (but) ... we're going in a hostile environment," the coach, in his third season on the Gold Coast, said.
"They'll be sitting there booing me and I'll be trying to take away something they're looking for.
"And that's a win.
"They're going to want to play well in front of their fans, so we've got to expect their best."
Charlie Ballard has been named to make his AFL return from a ruptured ACL suffered in round one last year while Bailey Humphrey (hamstring) is also back for Gold Coast after missing the Eagles clash.
Richmond have recalled Mykelti Lefau after his club-imposed ban for drink-driving.
The New Zealand-born key forward returns alongside experienced pair Nick Vlastuin and Dion Prestia, as well as Tom Brown, with Rhyan Mansell (wrist) and Jonty Faull (suspended) unavailable.
23°C