Hardwick, at tonight’s Jack Dyer Medal function, paid a glowing tribute to Newman, who has stepped down as the Tigers’ captain after four years in the role.
“He has captained this Club with courage, commitment and an unrelenting desire to make things better,” Hardwick said.
Celebrate Trent Cotchin's back-to-back Jack Dyer Medals with this memorabilia piece
“While he won’t have the (c) next to his name next year, he will remain an outstanding leader as part of this playing group until his career is finished.
“His decision to step down as captain, to me, says everything about his leadership. He is absolutely selfless. It has never been about Chris Newman, it has always been about what is best for the team.
“That to me will be his legacy as captain and I trust every one of his teammates will take that attitude into pre-season and beyond.
“I can guarantee you that if every player looks at the selfless attitude of Chris Newman - and works their backsides off for each other during the pre-season - we will take the next step, and nobody more than ‘Newy’ deserves to experience football in September.”
Hardwick said the Tigers had developed into a genuinely competitive side over the course of the past three years and it was now time to grasp their opportunity.
“Talent alone won’t get us there. A fierce determination and will to succeed is the crucial ingredient and our players and coaching staff must return to pre-season with an uncompromising attitude that ensures we improve again,” he said.
