COREY Ellis is expected to resume training in January, despite Richmond's first pick at last month's NAB AFL Draft needing foot surgery this week.

The No.12 pick missed the end of the TAC Cup season with a stress fracture in his foot, which also saw him sit out testing at the NAB AFL Draft Combine.

He was out of his protective moonboot in the lead-up to the draft and began jogging gradually, but was under advice from his surgeon that if any soreness persisted he may require an operation.

The club said the 18-year-old was not expected to be sidelined for long after Friday's procedure.

"In consultation with our medical team, we have decided that the best course of action is for Corey to have minor surgery on his foot," Richmond's football manager, Dan Richardson, told the club's website.

"We were fully aware of Corey's condition when we drafted him, and that a procedure might be required at some stage. While he will not be rushed back into full training, we expect a full recovery early in 2015."

The Tigers targeted Ellis for his class, decision-making and poise in the midfield after a consistent season with the Western Jets and Vic Metro at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.