Richmond senior coach Damien Hardwick will not underestimate the Western Bulldogs’ talented youngsters and impressive contested work ahead of Saturday’s Round 3 clash at Etihad Stadium.

Winning the ball in and around contests is pivotal, according to Hardwick, for Richmond’s chances of winning the four points this weekend.

“They’re an impressive side … their contested ball stuff is outstanding,” Hardwick said.

“They can hurt you going back the other way.  They were close against North Melbourne to getting the game on their terms, which is a really impressive against a quality side.

Are you a Superboot? Sign up to the newest Fantasy Footy game and you could win 10k

“I know they haven’t kicked a lot of goals thus far but they’re winning the ball, they’re getting the ball transitioned inside 50.”

Hardwick says the Tigers will pay close attention to the Bulldog’s young stars, particular skipper Ryan Griffen, who returned from injury last week.

“He probably played 70 per cent up forward last week and pushed back into the midfield and kicked a goal when he did. He’s quality player,” he said.

“Wallace did a terrific job on [Daniel] Wells … Liberatore is a clearance machine, a tackle machine, and then they’ve got Cooney on the wing, so they’ve got quality midfield players that can hurt you.”

Hardwick also commended Richmond’s leaders for their impressive on-field display in the tense final quarter against Carlton last weekend, and expected them to back it up against the Bulldogs.

“They stood up. Deledio played hurt - he was really impressive for a guy who I didn’t think was going to finish the game,” he said.

“Chaplin down back was enormous, Chris Newman was great and Jack [Riewoldt] took a couple of massive marks, so really pleased with their output.”

Hardwick expects a “tough, hard, contested, well-fought game” on Saturday afternoon at Etihad Stadium.