Richmond proved too good for a fast-finishing Carlton outfit at the MCG on Thursday evening, hanging on to a 15-point win which ultimately secures their place back inside the top eight.
Hardwick described the contest as “a game of inches”, but hoped his players would've been more clinical going forward given their dominance in the inside 50 count (76-51).
"It was a really frustrating game, to be honest," Hardwick said.
"You get 76 inside 50s and the scoreboard is closer than what it is challenging but it was one of those games. Conditions are very tough.
“It was a game of inches. We have two really important smothers where guys with Richmond-man behaviours put the pressure on as best they can and they get two crucial touches.”
Hardwick is hopeful Dustin Martin will be back from illness for next weekend's clash against Geelong, while Noah Balta looks set to miss time after re-injuring his hamstring.
