RICHMOND will use Saturday's clash against Hawthorn to trial a two-pronged ruck attack that could become its norm in the lead up to September.
With Ty Vickery unavailable because of concussion, Orren Stephenson has been called on to play alongside ruckman Ivan Maric for just the second time this season.
Leading clubs Geelong, the Sydney Swans and Hawthorn all play two genuine ruckman and Hardwick said it was an approach the Tigers needed to consider as finals approached.
"It's a possibility … it's something we've certainly got to look forward to bringing into our game," Hardwick said on Friday.
"Orren's probably overall a better tap ruckman than Ivan, where Ivan provides a better grunt contest so to speak.
"If we manage to get pretty even ruck time and get a couple of goals out of each that'd be a win for us.
"Ty will obviously come back into the mix next week."
Vickery has been carrying roughly 40 per cent of the ruck load in recent weeks, but Hardwick said the club had been considering a forward set up with three tall forwards opening the door for Vickery to be used permanently in attack.
After a six-day break following last week's loss to the Sydney Swans, Hardwick said the club did not consider Vickery for selection following his second serious concussion this year.
Tall forward Luke McGuane came into the team for his first game since round nine, with athletic defender David Astbury to play his third match for the season.
"With (Lance) Franklin, (Jarryd) Roughead, (David) Hale and even (Jack) Gunston to a degree, we've got some guys in Astbury, (Troy) Chaplin and (Alex) Rance that will go head to head at various stages," Hardwick said.
"Their forward line is the best of anyone's at the moment.
"They're a great side and we're certainly going to have our work cut out down there."
Hardwick said there was a gap between the Tigers and the top four sides, but they were capable of beating the Hawks if they play at their best.
Richmond beat Hawthorn by 62 points when the sides last met in round nine last season.
"They're a quality side and if we go about it on the status quo then they're probably going to beat us on ability," Hardwick said.
"We'll do a few things and try and manipulate their structures as best we can.
"In saying that they'll be doing exactly the same to us. It's going to be a really good test."
Nathan Schmook is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter @AFL_Nathan
