The Tigers led on several key indicators but when the final siren went, they were behind on the most important statistic: the scoreline.
Hardwick believed the three-point loss was an opportunity let slip.
"We looked at our numbers and thought we should have really won the game," he said after the match.
"We thought we were the better side on the day."
The Tigers kicked five goals to four in the final term to almost steal the game but it was the missed chances Hardwick was to rue.
"I don't want to say we were unlucky. We had our chances to win the game, as probably did Hawthorn, but we just needed to be more composed at a couple of stages during the game," he said.
"But there's no doubt it was a step forward for our footy club today".
Much of that momentum was provided by Richmond's younger brigade. Matt White was prominent in the final quarter, while Hardwick singled out Ben Nason, Dustin Martin and Jack Riewoldt as key contributors.
"Trent Cotchin was simply outstanding for us as well," he added.
The 20-year-old finished the match with 27 disposals, including 14 contested possessions to prove that courage resides alongside class in his developing frame.
The match was the first time, Hardwick felt, that his team had not lost the contest through a fatal drop-off during a single quarter. The consistency of effort seemed to please the coach most.
"I said to the players at the end of the game: Listen, we set a standard ... forget the first eight games, it's 0-0 so our season will really start now", he said.
"We want to build on what we took out of today's game and go forward from there."
One player who is in danger of missing at least some of that journey is Daniel Jackson, who appeared to head butt Hawks' hardman Campbell Brown.
The incident followed another clash - this time in dispute for the ball - when both players lowered their head in their attack on the footy. Jackson, who appeared to be collected high, came of second-best in the collision but Hardwick believed it would go no further.
"I just thought it was two guys going head-first into the ball - both terrific players, both ball players - one of those contests you love to see in AFL footy."
It wasn't the day's only clash. A week after the umpires wore pink strips that melded with the special strip being worn by Melbourne, the officials donned yellowish uniforms that made distinguishing them from Hawthorn players difficult.
"I did notice they were very similar, they were yellow were they not?" asked Hardwick.
"They did clash a little bit. It's probably something the AFL may look at again."
