Hardeman happy to be home ahead of Roos Bunbury clash

Perth Now

06-06-2025

North Melbourne youngster Riley Hardeman says he can't wait to run out onto the ground in Bunbury on Sunday for his first AFL game in his home state.
The Kangaroos selected Hardeman with pick 23 during the 2023 national draft and, despite having reached double digits in games, has yet to pull on the blue and white in Western Australia.
But the Swan Districts product gets his first opportunity this week with North Melbourne in town for a home game against the Eagles in the South West.
'I'm feeling really excited,' Hardeman said.
'We came down here for the pre-season against West Coast. I got down but didn't play any minutes, so it's exciting to be playing my first AFL minutes in Western Australia.
'I'll have a few family members down, so it will be good to get around them and the West Australian fans.'
The game comes as part of a doubleheader that includes a clash against Fremantle at Optus Stadium next week, the Kangaroos having sold a home game to the WA clubs to address travel imbalances as well as assist the club's coffers.
Hardeman revealed the playing group had embraced the home-away-from-home clash in Bunbury, saying they were eager to put on a show for their WA fans.
'From a club point of view, it's really exciting to get over to WA, sell a home game and appeal to our fans over here,' he said.
'The condition of the ground is in good nick and the stands they are putting around and the atmosphere they are creating, I'm really looking forward to playing there.'
A capacity crowd of nearly 15,000 is expected to fill Bunbury's upgraded Hands Oval.
A good number of those may also just be there to see Hardeman, the 20-year-old stating his inbox had been blowing up with family and friends wanting tickets.
'I've got a few ticket requests already, but I think there is a bit of a waitlist for family and friends,' he said.
'But I'll have plenty of support over here, which is exciting.'