RICHMOND forward Jack Riewoldt will undergo minor shoulder surgery on Thursday that isn't expected to impact on his pre-season.
Riewoldt has been scheduled for a joint clean out but should be able to resume running in a matter of weeks.
It does mean the All Australian won't be available for next month's International Rules Test in Ireland.
Riewoldt toured with the Australian team in 2010 and was hopeful of lining up alongside cousin Nick this year for the first time.
Nick Riewoldt is holidaying in the US and is expected to play in the one-off Test at Croke Park on November 21.
After joking doctors were "cutting my arm off" when asked about the severity of the surgery, Riewoldt confirmed it was only minor.
But he expressed disappointment at not being able to take part in the Ireland tour, after a season where the Riewoldt family rallied together after the passing of Nick's sister Madeleine in February from aplastic anaemia.
"I'm having shoulder surgery tomorrow so I won't be playing in the International Rules this year, which is unfortunate because I was looking forward to playing with Nick," Riewoldt said on Wednesday.
"Hopefully next year we can both sneak into the side and play a game of footy together.
"It would mean a lot to our families and it would be very, very special for MRV [Maddie Riewoldt's Vision] as well so hopefully next year we can do that one."
Riewoldt helped announce the rapid success of MRV – the organisation established in memory of Maddie - at Royal Melbourne Hospital on Wednesday.
MRV has raised $750,000 since it began just 16 weeks ago, with the funds to be used to help find a cure for Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes.
Riewoldt has been holidaying in Cairns and been far removed from any talk about the on-going NAB AFL Trade Period.
He said while he hadn't spoken to young Tiger Ben Lennon, who remains out of contract and a subject of constant speculation, the 20-year-old was an important part of their team.
"I have no say on contracts or anything like that and I feel uncomfortable talking about other players contracts," he said.
"[List manager] Blair Hartley and Dan Richardson will deal with that.
"Ben had a pretty good solid end to the footy season for us and he's a valued member of our footy club."
He also wouldn't be drawn on if the Tigers would land Carlton's Chris Yarran, as the club worked to facilitate a trade for the classy half-back.
"That will get sorted by the people who deal with those sorts of things in the footy club," he said.
"I've got no pull, no sway on what goes on there, I don't know what's going on.
"Whatever will be will be … any player that can help our list we'd like to have them down at Tigerland."
