Dennis ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during Saturday’s win against Lavington and is waiting for scans to determine the damage to his medial and posterior ligaments.

The injury is a huge blow for the youngster, who had cemented his position in defence after serving an apprenticeship in the reserves for several years.

Co-coach Daniel Maher said Dennis was in career-best form.

“He’s been playing on some big-name players this year and doing a great job,” Maher said.

“He’s a kid who has come through the juniors and reserves and was playing good, consistent footy.

“We’re still waiting on results but the ACL is ruptured and that will keep him out for the season.”

Dennis has played on Yarrawonga’s Brad O’Connor and Wangaratta Rovers young gun Alex Marklew in the early rounds of the season and picked up Lavington’s Justin Koschitzke on Saturday.

The Tigers take on Myrtleford at McNamara Reserve on Saturday and should regain Luke Wells and Josh Maher after they were late withdrawals because of illness at the weekend.

Meanwhile, a shoulder injury has put Wodonga Raiders’ young gun Jydon Neagle in doubt for this weekend’s clash against Lavington.

Neagle, who has been one of the club’s best players this season, was hurt early against North Albury but played out the match under duress.

The Raiders have an injury list that is starting to resemble Wodonga’s, with ruckman Luke Visser, James Dickson, forward Tom Marlow, promising youngster Stu Williams and backman Kyle Maynard on the sidelines.