Charlie Ballard and Mitch Riordan have suffered serious injuries

The Suns 2020 playing stocks have taken an early blow with youngsters Charlie Ballard and Mitch Riordan set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines.

THE Suns 2020 playing stocks have taken an early blow with youngsters Charlie Ballard and Mitch Riordan set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines.

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Riordan, drafted with pick two at the AFL mid-season draft last year, faces up to 12 months on the sidelines after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) as he was preparing to take part in match simulation on Friday according to AFL.com.au.

Gold Coast mid-season draftee Mitch Riordan (left) at Suns training. Picture: Supplied.

Riordan was overlooked in the 2018 NAB AFL draft following a frustrating year with injury but had impressed Suns staff with his hunger for the contest since joining the club in May last year.

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In a further blow, defender Charlie Ballard has undergone a right shoulder reconstruction which is expected to sideline him for around three months.

Charlie Ballard of the Suns is tackled by Sam Gray of the Power during the Round 9 AFL match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Gold Coast Suns at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide, Sunday, May 19, 2019. (AAP Image/David Mariuz)

The 20-year-old finished in the top ten of the Suns’ best and fairest last year.

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Will Powell is also expected to miss the start of the season after requiring further surgery on an injury suffered last year.

Defender Jack Hombsch has a fractured rib after a tackle during match simulation on Friday and will be assessed further over the coming days.