RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick says everyone, not just Daniel Jackson, could learn a valuable lesson from the fallout over the midfielder’s recent use of a social media tool.

After accepting his third suspension of the season from the AFL’s match review panel earlier this week, the Tiger vented his frustration via the internet - only for his words to find their way into the media.

Jackson has since apologised for his comments, with his coach also expressing his club’s displeasure.

“Look he was just frustrated, and he was disappointed with the comments as were we,” Hardwick said from Tigers’ training on Thursday morning.

“He’s learned a lesson and it gives a valuable lesson to all other players within the AFL but also people in general, I think.

“Those sort of things, whilst you think you’re only talking to a few people, will actually go out to millions.”

On social media tool Facebook, Jackson updated his status, writing: “Dan Jackson is sick of playing a pussy sport and so is retiring in favour of playing a real man's sport. Perhaps I'll be better suited to the NRL?”

Hardwick said the club would not punish Jackson but said players needed to remember the “pitfalls” of the internet.

“We’ve spoken to our players about it previously, but it’s a good reminder and we’ll speak to them about it again,” he said.

“Social media these days, with Twitter and all those forms of communication ... it can be a dangerous thing.”

Jackson’s omission will be a low for the Tigers ahead of their clash with North Melbourne this weekend, however they have a ready-made replacement in Ben Cousins - who Hardwick said couldn’t wait to return to AFL action.

“Ben will come straight back in, which is a good result,” the coach said.

“We look forward to having Ben back in the side ... speaking to Ben, this is one of the most exciting times he’s had in his career.

“He’s very excited for the young squad we’ve got ... he’s enjoying his footy, he’s contributing well, so I think he’s looking forward to playing again.”

Ben Nason is set to miss the clash with the Kangaroos after copping a heavy knock against Fremantle last week.

The Tigers head into the match favourites after winning five of their past six matches, but Hardwick said he expected a tough encounter against a club he believes will become a strong rival over the next few seasons.

Meanwhile, Hardwick said he was confident former Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams - who Hardwick dealt with as a player at Essendon and assistant coach at the Power - would be back at AFL level.

“He’s a star Choco ... he’s a guy I’ve got enormous respect for. I love the bloke to be perfectly honest,” he said.

“He was terrific for me as a player but also as a coach ... look, he’s going to find another job in AFL footy. He’s too valuable a commodity to be out of the game.”