“I went fishing with the old man down in Howlong and I just got eaten by mossies, and I’m guessing that’s where I got it,” he said.

Ross River fever is a mosquito-borne infectious disease, which is common in a number of areas within Australia, including the Murray River.

“I just woke up one morning and all my joints were really stiff and sore, and I could barely walk,” he said.

“It’s only my ankle, knees and wrist which are the worst, and I had flu symptoms for a few days.”

Koehler hasn’t worked this week as a result of the disease, but is hoping to return soon.

The 27-year-old had been cursed as the Tigers swept to their last two premierships against Lavington.

A quad injury kept him out of the Tigers’ 2015 grand final win, and then he suffered a six cm tear in his calf at training 10 days out from last year’s decider.

Koehler had been undecided on his plans for this season, but is adamant the Ross River fever will have no impact on his decision.

“I’m on my own now with work (building), so it depends on what I pick up, or if I’ve got enough time to play footy,” he said.

Koehler admits though the injury run over his past two seasons has played on his mind.

“Probably would have been ideal to finish with a flag, but probably does make me want to come back a bit more, but it’s down to work,” he said.

The defender played in Albury’s 2009 and 2011 flags.