Speedy midfielder Ash Riddell will be forced to bide her time on the sidelines after dislocating her shoulder on Saturday.

The injury was sustained in a tackle in the third term in Melbourne University’s clash with Richmond.

“It’s a big loss for us, Ash has been fantastic since her return from previous injury in the AFLW competition,” coach Scott Gowans said.

“She was averaging 32 possessions, going at 70 per cent efficiency.”

It was only Riddell’s third game back following surgery on her ankle after Round 2 in the AFLW, playing for the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos.