As the Tigers turn to the second half of their premiership defence at 9-2, Hardwick said they were as determined as ever to feature prominently in September.
"They're very humble and they're very hungry," he said.
"(Captain) Trent (Cotchin) leads from the front, (and) you've only got to look at Dustin, he just loves winning. If one of the best players in the competition loves winning and loves winning on a weekly basis, I don't need to probe these guys that much.
"(They're) such a proud group, they respond accordingly when they need to and they raise the fight when they need to. I'm very lucky to coach such a quality group."
Hardwick revealed young forward Callum Moore will be on the flight to take on Port Adelaide next week in what will be his third game for the season and fifth match of his career.
The 21-year-old, who stands at 193cm, has partnered Jack Riewoldt in the key posts, keeping premiership forward Jacob Townsend out of the side, while Daniel Rioli works back from ankle surgery.
"On form, we'll continue with it next week," Hardwick said.
"But once again, it's horse for courses.
"We've been pretty happy with how Jacob Townsend's performed from a role where he sits on an opponent and then gets offensive impact from that.
"We'll assess that on a weekly basis, sometimes we just pick the players who are in the best form.
"Cal's been in really good form, our VFL boys play tomorrow (Sunday), we'll see who puts their hand up and is ready to play again."
Hardwick said his side would take learnings into their visit to the City of Churches, having lost convincingly to Adelaide at Adelaide Oval in round two this year.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-06-02/hes-one-of-the-greats-of-our-club-hardwick