Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has no doubt star midfielder Dustin Martin will bounce back strongly against Sydney on his return from a one-match suspension.

Martin was banned for an off-the-ball hit on GWS tagger Matt De Boer in a loss to the Giants and was also later fined by the AFL for making an obscene gesture during a frustrating outing for the Brownlow Medal winner.

“Perception is reality, I suppose, but it was one bad game he’s played … he’s an incredible player and I expect him to bounce back,” Hardwick told reporters on Thursday.