Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has launched a spirited defence of his team, vowing it will recover from a disappointing start to the 2016 season.

The Tigers face Hawthorn on Friday night in desperate need of a win after losing five of their opening six games.

“It will turn. We've got complete confidence in this playing group that they will turn it around,” Hardwick said at his weekly Punt Road press conference earlier today.

“They've done it before, and will do it again.

“We'll bounce back. I guarantee you.”

Brett Deledio will captain the Richmond side against the Hawks in the absence of Trent Cotchin, who will miss two weeks with a fractured cheekbone.

Star key backman Alex Rance is serving the second of a two-match suspension, while dependable defender Dylan Grimes will be sidelined for another week, as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

Although it leaves the Tigers a bit depleted, Hardwick was philosophical in his outlook.

“We've probably got five or six players out of our best 22 that aren't playing now, but other sides have injuries also,” Hardwick said.

“We've got to play better with the players we've got . . . we've got some guys that aren't playing well.

“I'm very confident in those players getting the best out of themselves. Guys don't lose their ability. They lose confidence.”

Hardwick noted his coaching panel had tweaked some aspects of their game plan, as they seek to upset the triple reigning premiers.

“We'll reset a few things,” he said.

“Most sides play the same. (Some) sides just execute better than others.”