Missing out on an under-16 state team proved to be a blessing in disguise for Newport Rams’ Will Hardy.
The disappointment three years ago drove the teenager and it’s been the catalyst for an Australian debut and playing for the Melbourne Aces.
“Me and dad say all the time, not making the Vic team is probably the best thing that ever happened to me,” Hardy said.
“Had I made that team, I probably wouldn’t have trained as hard. I would have thought I’ve already made the team and I’m going to make it every year.
“Until the next try out I was probably the hardest working person around.
“Turned up at the next tryouts and the coaches looked shocked how my body had changed and stuff like that.”
Since then Hardy has made the state team and won a national title, which is one of the biggest moments of his life.
In 2025, he played with Team Australia at the 2025 under-18 World Cup, was on the Major League Baseball [MLB] International Team and made his Melbourne Aces.
“It was a blast and it all happened pretty quick as well,” Hardy said.
“It was pretty cool. You’re going to this country now or you’re hoping on a flight.
“It was a good reward for the hard work that I’ve put in and it was good for my parents as well.”
Hardy’s selection for Australia came as a bit of a shock.
After missing out on some high performance programs he was keen to get feedback from coaches on where he was at.
“They said don’t worry we are pushing for you,” he said. “You’re doing all the hard work and keep working hard.
“Then the opportunities came. I didn’t know all those opportunities would happen.
“Some people did and they were pretty big for my development over the past year.”
The infielder said he and his dad were almost in tears when he found out he made the Australian under-18 team.
He said his parents, especially his dad, had been his biggest supporters.
“Dad when he gets home from work, I say let’s go down to train and he doesn’t want to but doesn’t say no,” he said.
“All the success that has happened I wouldn’t have done it without him, that’s for sure.
“He doesn’t get enough credit.”
Coming back from his Australian commitments, Hardy joined the Melbourne Aces.
With the club focusing on youth, he’s been given plenty of opportunities.
“I always watched them as a kid to get that opportunity to play with them and play with these guys, pretty cool,” Hardy said.
“I have to pinch myself sometimes that I get the opportunity to play at such a high level. The guys have welcomed me and been unreal for me.
“When I found out I said to dad, happy to play a couple of games.
“The amount of game time I’ve played I’ve been happy with. I struggled a little bit but the guys around the clubhouse picked me up.
“When I started to play well again they are there for me.”
Hardy’s short team future is locked in having signed with Weatherford College, which is rated one of the best college programs.
Hardy said it was a no-brainer to join the college.
