RICHMOND superstar Dustin Martin is set to make his eagerly anticipated return against Collingwood this Saturday at the MCG.
Hardwick confirmed if Martin got through training on Thursday he would be a starter for the clash, two weeks after he recommenced training.
The triple Norm Smith medallist hasn’t played since Round 1 after taking personal leave.
"We're looking forward to welcoming him back and hopefully he has an impact for us on the weekend, which we're sure he will," Hardwick told reporters.
"He's going to be not at his optimal, but he's certainly trained reasonably hard, as hard as he could without being in a team environment.
"We're pleasantly surprised by how he's moving and how he's operating thus far.
"But we're playing one of the hardest games in the world, so we'll level our expectations, we'll just put him out there and see how he goes.
"At 50 per cent Dustin Martin's still a pretty good player on our books."
Martin’s return is timely. Richmond (3-4) sits ninth on the ladder and one spot behind fierce rivals Collingwood, who are 4-3 in their first season under former Tigers VFL boss Craig McRae.
"It's going to be a tough challenge, system v system, so whoever executes their roles better will be the side that comes out on top," Hardwick said.
"'Fly' (McRae) is a terrific young coach and he's got 'Leppa' (Justin Leppitsch) there as well, so they've certainly got a good understanding of what we do and how we operate, but in fairness so do we on how they're going about it.
"We think if we get our processes right and we execute our roles we're going to be okay, but we're coming up against a really well-coached, well-drilled side that is improving every week."
Former captain Trent Cotchin is also due to return after being managed and Marlion Pickett (hamstring/personal reasons) could also play, while Dion Prestia is doubtful after being subbed out in last week's game through injury and then battling illness this week.
Hardwick paid tribute to "selfless" dual-premiership Tiger Josh Caddy, who announced his retirement to the playing group on Thursday morning.
"He's been a warrior for us, Josh," Hardwick said
"He came over at the end of 2016 and was one of the significant reasons we had the run that we did.
"He's a two-time premiership player, great teammate and incredible talent. He knew his best footy was probably beyond him for the remainder of his career, he had chronic hamstring issues and wanted to provide the opportunity to another player to play for our footy club.
"Sacrificing his jumper so that someone else can have an opportunity sums him up in my book."
