Player Watch #17: Riley 'Stiffy' Hardeman - made his debut v Adelaide in Hobart

[sheridan]

like most needs to be fitter and put on size. like the look of him…

 

[DarkPhoenix]

Only got to watch a quarter on my break, but what I saw, definitely need to persist.

 

[Roostorm]

Get his old man a job at the club weeding out those not capable of wearing the armor.

What a cracking character…..lm sure he’d go very well at removing those less worthy….but all things aside what an amazing family…

 

[roos_fanatic08]

Did plenty well considering the defence was under the pump all day. Couple of really solid 1%er’s, some really neat kicks and backed himself with ball in hand.

The howler was bad but he knew it straight away and was so disappointed in himself. He’ll learn and build from that.

Did more than enough to give himself a few weeks at the top level.

 

[Chadwiko]

Showed more in defense in 1 game than we have seen from Luke McDonald in over a year.

Persist.

 

[muttley45]

You gotta factor in that his support and leadership back there in Corr and LMac, and 3 game veteran Biggie, means that was a really tough baptism of fire introduction to the seniors, he came through not too badly, all things considered. I think we have got a player here.

 

[Kciza]

Did the right things a couple of times and roll up to collect someone else's man, only for none of his teammates behind him to do the same for him and as a result his man scored

 

[rickety]

Showed more in defense in 1 game than we have seen from Luke McDonald in over a year.

Persist.

If you watch the Debut video carefully enough, you can actually see RH cringe when LMac says he's looking forward to running out with him .... nah jokes, it was me that cringed :-D

 

[Del191229]

Excellent wood fire pizzas for those that celebrate

Its certainly changed complexion, character and clientele over the years.

 

[BlueandWhiteinmyBlood]

Was sitting near all our players whom didn’t play yesterday and also what seemed to be family of players as I noticed Donald McDonald ect, also due to the social media posts last week I noticed the Hardeman family. Like in the social media videos, his Dad is a legend, was getting right into the game and very vocal towards North. Later on in the last quarter I noticed him in the standing room with many a north fan chewing the fat and conversing all things North. Thought it was great to see particularly knowing the family have come to support two weeks in a row all the way from WA, that’s the type of family we want involved in our club

 

[SunnyBoner]

I haven’t watched the game yet. Was Riley injured or did he need a spell when he was subbed?

 

[dus]

Must persist.

Looks a player.

Young and nervous in an under siege defence getting mauled.

What do we expect.

I like him.

 

[Colby Cheer Squad]

Was sitting near all our players whom didn’t play yesterday and also what seemed to be family of players as I noticed Donald McDonald ect, also due to the social media posts last week I noticed the Hardeman family. Like in the social media videos, his Dad is a legend, was getting right into the game and very vocal towards North. Later on in the last quarter I noticed him in the standing room with many a north fan chewing the fat and conversing all things North. Thought it was great to see particularly knowing the family have come to support two weeks in a row all the way from WA, that’s the type of family we want involved in our club

Riley's dad seems to have become a full-on North nuffy which is great to see. There won't be a go home factor there.

 

[Colby Cheer Squad]

I haven’t watched the game yet. Was Riley injured or did he need a spell when he was subbed?

The fact that we subbed on a defender to replace a defender but then played the sub up forward was perhaps just a strategic plan to change our structures. Hardeman didn't play badly and he didn't make any terrible mistakes. Also, Bergman didn't really smash the door down in the VFL today so there's every chance that Hardeman holds his spot.

 

[justroyal]

Is quick backs his kicks cant see the use of Bergman atm unless lmac is injured.

Goater and a developing Hardeman would be insane.

 

[Blightys Barrel]

The fact that we subbed on a defender to replace a defender but then played the sub up forward was perhaps just a strategic plan to change our structures. Hardeman didn't play badly and he didn't make any terrible mistakes. Also, Bergman didn't really smash the door down in the VFL today so there's every chance that Hardeman holds his spot.

So your saying he would be Stiff to miss out?

 

[Mr north man]

Hardenham needs to keep playing in this current environment he will ajust in time a demotion/scapegoat to the VFL could do more damage then good just like Sellers it was sad to see how his gone backwards.
From reading what’s been said his from good stock his old man already has become a rusted on North person and Riley seems to be of the same stock.
What we as going thru atm is pure hell need to keep going to Victorian based games in numbers.

 

[muttley45]

Nice game on Sunday Riley, great mark for your 1st goal, and very nice play to start RHJ's 4th goal chain, starting to knock on the door for another crack in the seniors soon.

 

[Kangaroos4eva]

Averaging 22 disposals a game the last three vfl matches he played. Also taken 29 marks during those three matches.

 

[nelroo]

Was sitting near all our players whom didn’t play yesterday and also what seemed to be family of players as I noticed Donald McDonald ect, also due to the social media posts last week I noticed the Hardeman family. Like in the social media videos, his Dad is a legend, was getting right into the game and very vocal towards North. Later on in the last quarter I noticed him in the standing room with many a north fan chewing the fat and conversing all things North. Thought it was great to see particularly knowing the family have come to support two weeks in a row all the way from WA, that’s the type of family we want involved in our club

Sat near the family at the pre season match vs St Kilda at Moorabbin. Fair effort to support their boy.

 

[BlueandWhiteinmyBlood]

Sat near the family at the pre season match vs St Kilda at Moorabbin. Fair effort to support their boy.

I’ve seen them at a couple of our games he was involved in, getting right amongst it too. I’d say they are the type of family to travel to a game anywhere in Australia even if he was only an emergency.

 

[giantroo]

KANGAS TO LOCK IN YOUNG PAIR​

NORTH Melbourne is set to lock away two more key parts of its defensive future, with the Kangaroos closing on deals for first-round selections Wil Dawson and Riley Hardeman.

The pair were taken at picks No.22 and 23 respectively last year, meaning they each earned the standard two-year draftee contracts, though North Melbourne is close to securing agreements to extend each by an extra season.

It will take Dawson and Hardeman through until 2026, which is when the club's remaining three first-round picks from last year in Colby McKercher, Zane Duursma and Taylor Goad are due to fall out of contract for the first time.

McKercher, Duursma and Goad all earned initial three-year deals due to being top-20 picks.


Dawson, a 201cm key defender, has played three senior games this season but has shown glimpses of his immense athletic potential in the VFL throughout his maiden year at Arden Street.

Hardeman, a rebounding 184cm half-back, has also broken through for three AFL appearances but is another the club holds in high regard as it looks ahead to its bright future.

Their impending extensions will ensure North Melbourne keeps it talented young core together and will follow the recent re-signings of George Wardlaw (2026), Bailey Scott (2026), Charlie Comben (2027), Paul Curtis (2028), Nick Larkey (2029), Tristan Xerri (2029), Cam Zurhaar (2029) and Harry Sheezel (2030). – Riley Beveridge

 

[amaz199]

KANGAS TO LOCK IN YOUNG PAIR​

NORTH Melbourne is set to lock away two more key parts of its defensive future, with the Kangaroos closing on deals for first-round selections Wil Dawson and Riley Hardeman.

The pair were taken at picks No.22 and 23 respectively last year, meaning they each earned the standard two-year draftee contracts, though North Melbourne is close to securing agreements to extend each by an extra season.

It will take Dawson and Hardeman through until 2026, which is when the club's remaining three first-round picks from last year in Colby McKercher, Zane Duursma and Taylor Goad are due to fall out of contract for the first time.

McKercher, Duursma and Goad all earned initial three-year deals due to being top-20 picks.


Dawson, a 201cm key defender, has played three senior games this season but has shown glimpses of his immense athletic potential in the VFL throughout his maiden year at Arden Street.

Hardeman, a rebounding 184cm half-back, has also broken through for three AFL appearances but is another the club holds in high regard as it looks ahead to its bright future.

Their impending extensions will ensure North Melbourne keeps it talented young core together and will follow the recent re-signings of George Wardlaw (2026), Bailey Scott (2026), Charlie Comben (2027), Paul Curtis (2028), Nick Larkey (2029), Tristan Xerri (2029), Cam Zurhaar (2029) and Harry Sheezel (2030). – Riley Beveridge

Awesome news.

Wil Dawson and Hardeman are going to be crucial in reshaping our backline. At the moment it's a bit all over the place and has been exposed all year.

 

[giantroo]

 

[roos_fanatic08]

Awesome. Both he and Dawson are really rated internally by the club.

Hards is a very good trainer, and puts in a lot of work the development coaches reviewing tape and improving his defensive positioning.