“He’s one of those players that makes those around him better,” Hardwick said.

“Players walk a little bit taller with him in the side because of the way he goes about it.

“We’ve got a relatively inexperienced defence that is growing week by week and players like Nick help that.”

Another premiership star in Kane Lambert is also nearing a return to senior level.

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A hip injury has delayed him making his first AFL appearance for 2022, but after playing a half in the VFL last week, he plans on playing three quarters this week with a return for the Anzac Day eve clash against Melbourne firmly in his sights.

Meanwhile, a timeline on superstar Dustin Martin returning to the fold remains unclear as the Brownlow medallist continues to take leave from the club for personal reasons.

Adelaide have only won one game so far this year, but Hardwick believes they could easily have won three of their first four games and he is “bullish” about where they’re headed.

“It’s going to be a really tough contest on their home deck and I like the way they’re going about it,” Hardwick said.

“I think they’re going to be a good side, not only this year but moving forward.”

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Hardwick said the recent inclusion of Taylor Walker will only make them harder to beat.

“Him coming in is a good get for them and we’ve got to make sure we’ve got adequate defenders to take him out of the equation because he’s such a dominant player when he’s playing good footy,” Hardwick said of Walker, who kicked four goals in his first game back last week.

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