Australian Football

The son of North Melbourne's and Essendon's diminutive former champion, Charlie Hardy, John 'Jack' Hardy was only marginally bigger than his father (166cm and 67kg, as opposed to 157cm and 54kg), and boasted the same indefatigable fire and flair. He spent most of his football career playing at a lower level than his father, but enjoyed a measure of notoriety all the same. Just after World War II he lined up for University Blacks where he was beginning to develop a reputation as a lively, influential, pronouncedly two-sided rover when a broken leg threw his entire football future into doubt.\

Recovery was slow, but in 1948 Hardy was given a chance by Carlton, which had spotted his potential during his brief time in the amateurs. After a highly promising season in the reserves, Hardy was given four games in the seniors in 1949, but any thoughts of extended VFL career were scuppered when he had to relocate to Sydney because of his work as an industrial chemist.

In 1950 he continued his football career with North Shore, and was soon making his mark as one of the most talented players in the Sydney competition. The highlight of his time in the Harbour City came with a Phelan Medal the following year. He also played representative football for New South Wales. Hardy returned to Carlton in 1952 but was unable to break into the seniors. His impact on the game in Sydney was considerable, however, and was fittingly recognised in 2002 with his inclusion as first rover in North Shore's official 'Team of the Century'.

Author - John Devaney