RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick says midfielder Brett Deledio will miss tonight's match against Melbourne at the MCG, and probably next week against Geelong as well.

Deledio was suspended for one match for his hit on Carlton's Simon White in round one and missed last week with a calf complaint.

"He will not be playing this week and he's probably unlikely next week also," Hardwick said.

"It's been a bit of a painful process for us . . . it's just one of those things that's taking a little time to heal, which is unfortunate."

Hardwick said he expected Melbourne to bring a physical approach, similar to the way it played against Adelaide last weekend.

"We know it's going to be a high tackle, high stoppage, high contested game . . . Paul Roos' sides, that's how they play," he said.

"It's going to be an arm wrestle."