Nathan Foley suffers setback

Richmond midfielder Nathan Foley is in doubt for the start of the AFL season because of ongoing ankle problems.

Foley had minor surgery on Wednesday to relieve soreness in the same ankle which prematurely ended his 2009 season, the Tigers said in a statement.

"Nathan had been progressing well with his rehabilitation program, but has experienced some soreness in the last week," Richmond Elite Performance Manager Matthew Hornsby said.

"The medical staff decided the best course of action was for him to have minor surgery.

"The surgery will prevent him from running for the next couple of weeks, and we will continue to take a cautious approach with his recovery."

Richmond open the AFL season on March 25 at the MCG when the Tigers host Carlton and the pre-season cup first-round clash is against Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium on February 13.

This is the sort of news that Richmond fans dont want to hear, membership is already down on this time last year and this kind of news will not help matters.

We need to see Hardwick out front and center selling Richmonds chances of making the eight.... even if we all know deep down it is unlikely.

Foley targets the season opener for 2010

Foley played in all of the Tigers’ first 14 games in 2009, before being forced to sit out the remainder of the season due to an ankle injury.

As he continues his recovery from injury the club is hoping for a round one return.
Richmond’s Elite Performance Manager Matthew Hornsby said “Nathan has been on an individual program since his ankle was operated on late last year,”

As a Richmond fan who is still yet to get the loss to Calton in round one last season, I am not holding my breath that Foley will be ready to go come the start of the season.

We will wait and see.