Brad Hardie

Bradley John "Brad" Hardie (born 10 October 1962) is a former Australian rules footballer and current radio commentator. He began his career as an attacking back pocket player, but ended as a dangerous goal kicking forward pocket. He was always easily spotted on the field with bright red hair and his trademark long sleeve jumper, hiding the scars from serious burns that he received as a child.^[1] He won the 1985 Brownlow Medal.

South Fremantle career

Hardie made his league debut for South Fremantle Football Club in the WAFL in 1979 as a 16 year old.^[2] The following year he was a member of their premiership team. Starting the game on the interchange bench, he was a major contributor with three goals.^[1]

In 1982 Hardie was awarded the AW Walker Medal for the fairest and best player for South Fremantle. In 1984 Hardie was appointed captain of South Fremantle and also was the equal leading goalkicker.^[3] Representing Western Australia, he won both the Simpson Medal for the best player in the WA vs Victoria State of Origin game and the Tassie Medal for the best player in the State of Origin series and was named in the Australian side that toured Ireland. He would repeat each of these feats in 1986. He is the only player to be awarded two Tassie Medals.

Footscray career

After 117 games for South Fremantle, he transferred to Footscray Football Club for the 1985 season and claimed the Brownlow Medal in his first season. However, a falling out with the coach, Mick Malthouse the following season meant that he severed ties with the club at the end of 1986.

In 1990 Footscray attempted to woo him back to the club and even made out a $50,000 cheque to his then fiancee. This ended in shambles and he was banned from playing with Footscray Football Club until 1993.

Brisbane career

Rejecting an offer to return home and join the newly formed West Coast Eagles, he was one of the few big name signings for the Brisbane Bears in their inaugural season in 1987 and stayed with the club until 1991. He was leading goalkicker for the Bears in 1989 and 1990 and set a record of 9 goals in a game against Carlton in 1989. He was the first player to play 100 games for Brisbane.

Collingwood career

With dramatic off-field problems at Brisbane, involving company collapses, rescues and restructures and on-field failure with consecutive wooden spoons, Hardie was traded to Collingwood at the end of 1991, but only managed to play 2 matches in 1992.

After returning to Perth in 1993 he rejoined South Fremantle and again topped the goalkicking list. He would retire having played 297 senior games, 150 in the VFL/AFL, 139 for South Fremantle in the WAFL and 8 state games. He was drafted by the Sydney Swans in the mid-year draft of 1993, but did not play a game for the club.

Media career

Hardie retired in 1994 and joined the media as a sports talkback radio host and commentator with Perth radio station 6PR.^[4] He also writes a weekly feature article for the Sunday Times.

After initially living in Perth, Hardie now lives in Melbourne and works exclusively for 882 6PR. He co-hosts Sport Central with Karl Langdon and Adrian Barich, and is an expert commentator for the Melbourne matches.

Tax evasion

Hardie was convicted of four taxation offences on 29 November 2010 after admitting he collected more than $26,000 in GST but did not forward it to the Australian Taxation Office. ^[5]

References