Gold Coast Suns recruit Daniel Rioli set for knee surgery just weeks into pre-season

Gold Coast Suns recruit Daniel Rioli could require surgery after sustaining a knee injury at training on Wednesday.

Just weeks into his new AFL life under old Richmond coach Damien Hardwick at the Suns, the 27-year-old has now been ruled out of running for the remainder of 2024.

The Suns released a statement on Thursday morning.

“The Gold Coast Suns can confirm Daniel Rioli has sustained a knee injury during a pre-season training session on Wednesday,” the club said.

“Rioli has undergone scans on the injury which confirm the 27-year-old has injured his medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee.

“The club will assess whether Rioli requires surgery over the next week, however he is expected to be running post-Christmas and be available for pre-season matches before Opening Round.

“The club will provide further updates in the as Rioli progresses.”

Rioli was arguably the most significant member of the Richmond exodus in last month’s trade period, having been one of four players to either requests trades or leave via free agency, while another three retired.

After winning the club’s best and fairest for 2024, the creative defender was traded to the Suns for picks six and 23.

Fellow stars Shai Bolton and Liam Baker also had their trade wishes granted as they made their way to Fremantle and West Coast respectively, while Jack Graham joined Baker at the Eagles as an unrestricted free agent.

Retirees Dustin Martin, Dylan Grimes and Marlion Pickett all followed them out the door as well, leaving second-year coach Adem Yze with a complete dearth of experience.

Richmond selected Victorian midfielder Josh Smilie with the pick No.6 (which became No.7 after a bid for Levi Ashcroft) they received for Rioli, and traded away pick 23 (which became 27 after multiple bids) on draft night.

Rioli joined the Suns along with former Collingwood defender John Noble, who made his way to the Suns via a complicated three-club mega trade.