Speaking ahead of Hawthorn's final training session on Thursday morning, which was attended by about 10,000 supporters, Hardwick said Tim Clarke, Thomas Murphy and Simon Taylor all had strong claims to a grand final berth.
"We have probably got a squad of 28 who could quite easily play in this game," Hardwick said.
"And there are going to be quite a few blokes who are going to be heartbroken.
"But footy's a very harsh environment and it's is going to hurt some guys, but unfortunately as coaches we have to make these hard decisions and pick the best 22 players that we think are going to get us over the line on the weekend.
"Taylor is one guy who could come in, Clarke also, and the other one would be Tom Murphy, so we've got some tough decisions to make, but we're willing to make those."
While Taylor's battle to unseat incumbent second ruck Brent Renouf has grabbed the headlines, Hardwick said if Clarke, Murphy or another late swooper managed to break into the side it would inevitably create a hard luck story.
"When it comes to a guy playing in a grand final I think they're all tough decisions. We've just got to go in with the best strategy that we think can combat that awesome Geelong side," he said.
"Those things will be brought up in match committee this afternoon. They're probably different types of players we just have to pick the best one we think can combat Geelong's ruck strength.
"It won't be an easy call one way or the other. It's great to say that we'd love a guy to come in, but who goes out is the really hard decision. That will be a tough call this afternoon."
Taylor, Murphy and Clarke all joined the final training session along with the successful 22 from the preliminary final.
