Richmond coach Damien Hardwick is expecting Essendon’s forwards to click in 2014, but is hoping they wait at least another week to fire.

The Bombers have won four of their opening nine games of the 2014 season, and will face the Tigers on Saturday night in the Dreamtime at the ‘G match, coming off the bye.

Hardwick believes Richmond’s opponent this week has the firepower to trouble any defence in the competition.

See what’s happening on Saturday in the lead-up to Dreamtime at the ‘G

“Eventually their goals will come . . . we just hope it’s not this week,” Hardwick said in his weekly press conference at the ME Bank Centre on Thursday.

“They’ve got a formidable forward line.  We just have to work on nullifying the really good players up there – (Jake) Carlisle, (Joe) Daniher, these types of players.  

“They’re very good players if they get the game on their terms.”

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Richmond will be looking to continue the form it produced against Greater Western Sydney last Saturday – a big win which snapped a three-game losing streak.

“It’s great to have that win, but it’s more about the belief we can take into this week,” Hardwick said.

“It’s an important game for us (against Essendon).  The Indigenous round is obviously an important round, and we’re looking forward to playing in a big game in front of somewhere between 60 and 80,000 people.

“I think both sides are probably playing below the standard of expectation.  We’re both in a similar boat.

“We’re both ticking over a few wins, but not playing anywhere near the expectation of our fans, coaching staff and playing group.”