VIDEO: https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/811574/round-17-hardwick-post-match?videoId=811574&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1599832139001"Soldo we think has a significant knee injury," Hardwick said. "We will wait to confirm that by scans which is disappointing.
"He has been such an important player for us over the course of this year and last.
“It looks like [an ACL] at this stage, but we’ll see.”
The loss of Soldo means the Tigers have to consider whether their other regular ruckman Toby Nankervis, who rucked without another specialist ruck in the 2017 premiership, will need back-up, potentially from Mabior Chol.
"We've got a week to figure that out,'' said Hardwick of the ruck set up, and said it was disappointing for Soldo and his family for him "to go down'' with the knee injury.
"Yes, Tom has a hamstring. We are not quite sure of the severity of that at the moment but he will probably have scans on Monday also. So, look, two big losses. We have got some players we think can step up and fill the void.
"Two big losses but we've got some players who can step up and fill the void,'' said Hardwick. "It's disappointing to lose those blokes.''
Hardwick said Mabior Chol would “certainly put his hand up”.
Nathan Broad, David Astbury and Josh Caddy are also on the verge of regaining their spots in the best 22.
"I thought all our players stood up at various stages. Especially with some adversity, losing [Ivan] Soldo and Tom [Lynch] throughout the course of the night.
"It was pleasing that it was probably a very even team performance. Jack [Riewoldt] had big moments."
The Richmond coach singled out outstanding defender Dylan Grimes, who was superb with his intercepting and marking in defence and helped Noah Balta curb Geelong's Tom Hawkins.
Hardwick said Balta "did a terrific job...Dylan was outstanding there as well.
"The guy's an incredible talent,'' Hardwick added of Grimes, comparing a couple of the defender's marks to Carlton great Alex Jesaulenko. Grimes had recovered from a minor hamstring to return less than than three weeks after his injury.
"I thought we defended behind the ball very solidly throughout.''
Hardwick on Coleman-Jones and Stack ... "It was disappointing and we stand by that," Hardwick said. "Once again, we feel it is not a reflection of us but the reality is respect is very hard to earn and easily lost.
"We have got some work to do in that part of our make-up. We are disappointed.
"Those boys are incredibly disappointed as well but they have accepted the role that they have accepted the role that they play.
"It can [galvanise the group]. But we also can't shy away from the fact that we let ourselves down. Once again, it will take agents bit of time to move on with. But our players have got a very good understanding about that and what we need to do to get back."
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-2020-round-17-live-scores-geelong-cats-vs-richmond-tigers-20200911-p55uvi.htmlhttps://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/tigers-fear-ruck-gone-with-acl-as-lynch-pings-hamstring-20200911-p55uxd.htmlhttps://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2020-ivan-soldo-injury-richmond-injuries-richmond-geelong-tigers-cats-injury-list/news-story/d003414a986b7185a138bd3814c079ba
