Daniel Rioli's start to life at Gold Coast has suffered a setback with the 27-year-old injuring his left knee at training on Wednesday.

The club's marquee recruit from the recent trade period could be set for surgery after injuring his medial collateral ligament, scans have confirmed.

Rioli is expected to return to running after Christmas, the Suns said, without fear of any major disruption to playing in pre-season matches.

"The club will assess whether Rioli requires surgery over the next week," Gold Coast said.

The three-time premiership Tiger confirmed strong speculation he'd depart Punt Road after 183 senior games for the Suns following the 2024 season.

Rioli said goodbye to the club in claiming his first Jack Dyer Medal as Richmond's best-and-fairest across a two-win campaign.

Shai Bolton also exited the club for Fremantle, with Liam Baker and Jack Graham rounding out the list of trade period departures.

Rioli's arrival at Gold Coast reunited him with former coach and premiership period headmaster Daniel Hardwick.

He locked in a five-year deal with the club, the Suns also receiving a number of late draft picks in exchange for pick 6 and 23 going to Richmond.

"Daniel brings class and pace to our backline which we are really excited about," Suns general manager of player talent and strategy Craig Cameron said in October.

"We know he has great experience being in a successful system and believe he will be a valuable leader for our group in the coming years."