Richmond defender Jake Batchelor has undergone season-ending surgery for a troublesome shoulder.

The 24-year-old has been managing the shoulder complaint in the second half of the season, however the surgery will give him the best possible start to his 2017 AFL campaign.

Batchelor had reconstructive surgery on his left shoulder last Friday, with recovery time usually 16 weeks, it’s expected he will be ready for full-contact drills by December.

“It’s disappointing that Jake won’t be finishing the season, however, he was unable to continue pushing through with pain,” Richmond’s General Manager of Football, Dan Richardson said.

“Our medical team recommended that he have it repaired immediately so that he can fully recover by the start of the 2017 pre-season.”