After winning its opening matches against Carlton and St Kilda, Hardwick has labelled his team's performance so far as a six-and-a-half or seven out of 10.
There is a buzz at Punt Road after back-to-back wins, but Hardwick said the Bulldogs also deserved credit for their start to the season.
"We certainly realise that the Bulldogs are a side that caught a few people unaware with how well they are actually playing," Hardwick said on Thursday.
"We've been watching them. We played them NAB [round] four and they certainly gave us a run for our money there.
"Their uncontested ball and their clearance numbers are very good; they're certainly up there in the top three within the AFL.
"Although they had a loss last week, it was a competitive loss against a very good side in Fremantle, so we've certainly got a big challenge ahead of us come Sunday."
Bulldogs key defender Jordan Roughead has been one of his team's top performers in the opening two rounds and he shapes as a likely opponent for Ty Vickery.
Hardwick said he expected Dale Morris to match up on Jack Riewoldt, who booted seven goals against St Kilda last Friday night.
The Tigers have great depth at VFL level, with up to six players capable of stepping up from Coburg and performing at AFL level, according to Hardwick.
Half-forward Chris Knights had 41 possessions for Coburg at the weekend but may not be able to force his way into the senior line-up.
"The great thing about it is the depth from below, and the talent from below is certainly pushing the players onwards and upwards," Hardwick said, singling out Knights, Brad Helbig and Matt Dea.
"Our VFL side's playing very well and we've certainly got about five or six guys who are very capable of slotting into our side.
"Do you keep rewarding the side that wins or do you keep refreshing the guys that are playing well at the lower level?
"There are some players who can certainly play at the level."
Tall defender David Astbury is ready to resume from a foot injury and will play at VFL level this week, while midfielder Nathan Foley is expected to return from an Achilles tendon injury one week later.
Defender Dylan Grimes played his first game since round 14 last season against the Saints and was a strong contributor for the Tigers in an encouraging sign.
"He's a guy that seems to have been around forever and I think he's played under 20 games," Hardwick said.
"For him to be elected into our leadership group playing that amount of games speaks enormously of the character of the guy and what we see for the future.
"It was just great for him to get back.
"He was a little bit rusty, but he did his job and we certainly expect him to get better this week and as the season goes on."
Nathan Schmook is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Nathan
