RICHMOND midfielder Nathan Foley has undergone minor foot surgery and will miss the opening rounds of the home and away season.
Foley did not play in the Tigers' first NAB Challenge match against the Western Bulldogs on February 28.
Richmond's physical performance manager Peter Burge said the veteran required minor surgery on his foot that would see him out for at least six weeks.
"(He) had a bit of an issue with his plantar fascia and the bottom of his foot, so he needed a small release done to help alleviate that," Burge told the club's website.
"He should only be (sidelined) reasonably short term. We're thinking somewhere around the six-week mark, but we'll see how he goes.
"(He) is a super-positive athlete, so I'm sure his recovery will be quicker than most."
The 29-year-old has had a history of injuries with an ankle problem cutting his 2009 season short and restricting him to just four games in 2010.
He also suffered a serious Achilles injury in July 2012 and missed 12 months before returning to play 16 games in 2013.
He spent some time in the VFL early last season but played every game after round nine and qualified for life membership when he played his 150th against Essendon in round 20.
