Richmond's No.1 draft pick Sam Lalor has a fractured jaw and could miss the start of the AFL premiership season.
Lalor was hurt in a collision during match simulation against West Coast in Perth on Monday.
The 18-year-old, who was the top pick at last year's national draft, suffered concussion and was sent for scans, which have revealed a hairline fracture on the right side of his jaw.
The young utility's chances of playing in Richmond's premiership season opener on March 13 against Carlton are in the balance, but the Tigers remain hopeful of Lalor's chances.
"Lalor will have surgery to aid his recovery, with a timeline of his return to play to be clearer at a later stage," Richmond said in a club statement on Tuesday.
"It is still hoped that he will be available for the round one game against Carlton."
Lalor has entered the AFL's concussion protocols, meaning he's precluded from contact training and playing for 12 days and will miss Richmond's trial game against Collingwood next Wednesday.
He was hurt when pushed by West Coast's Reuben Ginbey into Eagle trialist Sandy Brock in a marking contest.
Lalor was was assessed by medical staff as he lay on the ground for about one minute, before walking off the field with trainers.
The promising forward-midfielder from Bacchus Marsh in Victoria had kicked two goals before the incident and, if fit, is considered a near certainty to make his premiership season debut against the Blues.
