ANDREW Raines has suffered a pre-season blow, damaging the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
The mature-age rookie was taking part in a competitive drill on Wednesday, wading his way through a series of fending pads, before his knee got caught in the ground late in the session.
Gold Coast sent Raines for scans immediately and they soon confirmed the full extent of the injury.
The club’s general manager of football operations Marcus Ashcroft said it was an unfortunate start for Raines at his new home.
"Unfortunately the results of Andrew’s scans have confirmed he has damaged his PCL," Ashcroft told the club's website on Friday.
“Our medical staff will determine the most appropriate course of action to treat the injury in the coming days.”
Gold Coast picked the 28-year-old at selection No.71 in last year's NAB AFL Rookie Draft after the Brisbane Lions decided against listing him for 2015.
Raines played 67 games in five years at the Lions. Prior to that he managed 56 matches in six seasons at Richmond.
The 123-gamer, a Southport product, will turn 29 before the start of the new season.
Late last year, Raines told AFL.com.au he was excited about playing football in his home town.
"It's very special," Raines said.
"I've done the full circle and (I’m) back to where it all started, which is very exciting."
- with Niall Seewang
