After 140 games for South Fremantle in the West Australian Football League, Brad Hardie transferred to the VFL to play for Footscray in 1985.

He claimed the Brownlow Medal that same year, only the second player since Haydn Bunton Snr to win the award in his first VFL season. Hardie was one of three Bulldogs to finish in the top 10 of the 1985 count, with Brian Royal and Stephen Wallis finishing equal fourth.

After winning the Charles Sutton Medal in 1986, he left the then Western Oval to join the Brisbane Bears for the 1987 season. Hardie played 47 matches for Footscray.

1985 Brownlow Medal Leaderboard

Player

Team

Votes
Brad Hardie Footscray 22
Justin Madden Carlton 21
Paul Roos Fitzroy 16
Brian Royal Footscray 15
Matthew Larkin North Melbourne 15
Stephen Wallis Footscray 15
Greg Williams Geelong 15
Tim Watson Essendon 15
Gary Ablett Sr.* Geelong 15

*Ineligible due to suspension