Young gun Ed Richards is set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines, after sustaining an ankle injury in a VFL practice match on Friday.

The 21-year-old was stretchered from the ground in the late stages of the third quarter.

Scans after the game on Friday showed he would require surgery, which was completed over the weekend.

“Unfortunately Ed got his ankle caught in a tackle, which caused his fibula to break,” head of medical services, Chris Bell, said.

“This injury did require surgery, which was completed on Saturday morning.

“We expect Ed to miss the next eight-to-10 weeks of football.”

The news is better for off-season recruit Mitch Hannan and yet-to-debut midfielder Riley Garcia, who will both return to full training this week.

Hannan has spent the pre-season overcoming a persistent groin injury, with Garcia working through a knee injury he picked up in the final training session before the Christmas break.

“Mitch and Riley have continued to progress really nicely,” Bell said.

“Both have completed their final stages of rehab and will reintegrate into full training this week.

“We hope that both players will return to availability in the next 10 days.” 

Injury list

Mitch Hannan (groin) – 1-2 weeks
Riley Garcia (knee) – 1-2 weeks
Hayden Crozier (shoulder) – 4-6 weeks
Ed Richards (ankle) – 8-10 weeks
Toby McLean (knee) - TBC