AFL off-season injury news: Gold Coast’s star recruit Daniel Rioli injures knee

Daniel Rioli’s Gold Coast career has suffered a first-week setback, with fears the star Suns recruit could need surgery after sustaining a knee injury.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 25: Daniel Rioli during a Gold Coast Suns AFL training session at Austworld Centre Oval on November 25, 2024 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Prized Gold Coast recruit Dan Rioli has been sidelined with a knee injury he suffered in his first week of training at his new club.

The Suns returned to the training track this week for the second season under Damien Hardwick, but they will be without Rioli until at least after Christmas.

Scans confirmed Rioli suffered an MCL injury, with club officials to confirm whether the dashing defender needs surgery to repair the damage.

Daniel Rioli has injured his knee in his first week of pre-season with Gold Coast. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

The club is expecting Rioli will be available for the pre-season matches and fully fit for the Opening Round match against Essendon.

Rioli was granted his trade request from Richmond, with the Suns handing over picks 6 and 23 for the 27 year old and a smattering of late selections.

He was one of several high-profile Tigers to depart in the off-season, with Shai Bolton (Fremantle), Liam Baker (West Coast) and Jack Graham (West Coast) all moving clubs, while Dustin Martin, Dylan Grimes and Marlion Pickett retired.

Originally published as AFL off-season injury news: Gold Coast’s star recruit Daniel Rioli injures knee