Richmond coach Damien Hardwick feels his side are a "dead-set chance" to knock over Hawthorn for their first win of the AFL season.

The Tigers will be light on experience after losing key defenders Luke McGuane and Alex Rance through suspension, but Hardwick felt they had the Hawks' measure ahead of the MCG match on Saturday night.

"There's probably certain sides you match up reasonably well against and we feel we do against these guys," said Hardwick, whose side was pipped by three points in their last meeting in round eight last year.

"They're a very good footy side, there's no doubt, they're probably top four potential as we all know.

"We've just got to subdue their midfield, control the twin towers up front, but we feel it's going to be a good game."

The Tigers were forced to settle for a draw against St Kilda last round, while they lost their opening match to Carlton.

Hardwick said his side had put themselves in a position to win both games but had let the opportunity slip away.

"We were at winning positions at three-quarter time in both those games and haven't got over the line, which is really disappointing," he said.

"We're really looking forward to singing the song, not only for us but for our fans."

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson noted the Tigers had bounced back hard after their disappointing end to the pre-season, when Hawthorn and Adelaide beat them.

"They're going to be a pretty formidable opponent, we really need to hunt the contest hard," Clarkson said.

"They're particularly strong through the middle of the ground.

"If they win that battle, they'll give (Jack) Riewoldt enough supply to be able to kick a winning score, so that's going to be the key battle."

At the other end of the ground, Hardwick admitted the mammoth task his young defenders faced was giving him sleepless nights.

Hardwick expects teenager Dylan Grimes, who could mark either Jarryd Roughead or Lance Franklin in only his second AFL game, will feel much the same.

While rumours continue that Hawks key forward Franklin is in some doubt with an ankle injury, the Tigers must plan for him to play.

With McGuane and Rance sidelined, Grimes and David Astbury are set to handle the Hawks' big men.

Grimes made his debut last season and 20-year-old Astbury has played just 19 matches.

"We're probably down on our knees with regard to our key defenders," Hardwick said.

"Young Dylan gets an opportunity, he'll play on Roughead or Franklin.

"I probably won't get much sleep and he probably won't get much more."

But Hardwick hadn't lowered his expectations for his side.

The coach said Grimes would bring elite speed and ultra competitiveness to his side.

"He's going to get a fair initiation tomorrow night.

"We've got great faith in Grimesy, we think he's going to be a long-term player for this footy club."

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