TEENAGE Essendon defender Jordan Ridley has undergone ankle surgery, but hopes to return to full training in February.

Ridley suffered the ankle injury at training last week and saw a specialist on Tuesday. 

Bombers high performance manager Justin Crow said Ridley's operation was a success and the Oakleigh Chargers product should be ready for the start of the season. 

"He had surgery on his right ankle on Tuesday and it went very well," Crow said. 

"He should be progressing back into full training in six to eight weeks." 

Ridley averaged 15.5 disposals and 6.7 marks in 11 VFL games in 2017 after a stress fracture in his back delayed his debut until June.

The No.22 selection in last year's NAB AFL Draft, who stands 192cm, played for the Bombers against Gold Coast in the JLT Community Series.

Ridley is highly regarded for his skills – he didn't make an error by hand or foot in his first two VFL matches – and won the kicking test at the 2016 Draft Combine.

Essendon has good depth down back, headlined by dual All Australian Michael Hurley and fellow talls Michael Hartley and Patrick Ambrose, as well as tough small defender Mark Baguley and speedsters Conor McKenna and Adam Saad.

No.1 draft pick Andy McGrath is expected to graduate from half-back to a full-time midfield role next year.