Gold Coast's prized recruit Rioli suffers knee injury

"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 three-time Richmond premiership player joined the Suns and former Tiger coach Damien Hardwick in the October trade period.

The 27-year-old signed a five-year contract with the Suns, giving Richmond picks six and 23 at the recent national draft, receiving four late picks - 51, 61, 70 and 76 - in return from the Tigers.

Rioli, who won Richmond's club champion award this season, has played 183 games, including three premierships from his 13 finals.