TALENTED Richmond veteran Brett Deledio is set to get his wish and return to the midfield in 2012.
Shifted to the half-back line in recent seasons, some pointed recruitment by the Tigers means Deledio seems likely to move back to the centre next season.
"With the players who we've brought in - with the addition of Steven Morris, Brandon Ellis has come in there and we've got Bachar Houli and Matty Dea - we probably think Brett will play more midfield next year than he has previously," Hardwick told the Herald Sun.
"But the challenge is well and truly there. He would like to play midfield, and he's going to get his opportunity, but he needs to show that he's capable of playing with Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin, Nathan Foley and the players we've got in there."
Only 24, Deledio has already played 150 matches and is the second most experienced player on the Tigers list behind only skipper Chris Newman.
"The scary thing about it is he's only 24 years of age, he's won two or three best-and-fairests and was probably a little bit stiff not to be All-Australian last year," Hardwick said.
Deledio is set to become a restricted free agent next season and is certain to attract the interest of rival clubs but Hardwick is confident the No.1 draft pick will remain at Punt Road.
"Whenever the good players are out of contract you're always a little bit concerned," Hardwick said.
"But the thing about Brett is, he knows where we're going and he wants to be a winner. And I think that's where we are headed."