Daniel Rioli: Gold Coast Suns recruit set for disrupted summer after suffering knee injury at training
Prized Gold Coast recruit Daniel Rioli has had a forgettable start to life at his new club, suffering a knee injury at one of his first training sessions.
The Suns revealed Rioli had gone down with a medial collateral ligament injury in his left knee during Wednesday’s session.
It’s left the club mulling over surgery for the 27-year-old, who was one of the highest-profile players to switch clubs during the trade period after making the move from Richmond.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“The club will assess whether Rioli requires surgery over the next week,” the Suns said in a statement on Thursday.
“However he is expected to be running post-Christmas and be available for pre-season matches before opening round.”
The setback means Rioli will go through a disrupted summer on his way towards his opening appearances in Gold Coast colours.
The Suns host Essendon on March 8 as part of the AFL’s Opening Round, before travelling to WA to take on West Coast in the Eagles’ season opener at Optus Stadium the following week.
Rioli is coming off a superb season at his former club, winning the Jack Dyer Medal as Richmond’s best-and-fairest.
The three-time premiership Tiger was traded to the Suns along with picks 51, 61, 70 and 76, with Richmond receiving picks six and 23 in return.
