The 24-year-old played only five reserve grade games last year after dislocating his ankle almost 12 months to the day during a league promo shoot.

"His ankle hasn't recovered as well as hoped," Tigers' coach Peter German said.

"If we can get him back by midway through the year that would be great for us, but I think he might struggle to play this year."

Uthayakumar, whose parents are Sri Lankan, impressed in his debut season in 2017 after moving from Victorian Amateur outfit, St Bede's-Mentone.

He kicked 47 goals in 19 games, including a mini-burst in the final quarter of the grand final against Wangaratta, lifting the team back in the match, although it fell by 21 points.

Albury regained the title it lost to Wangaratta in an eight-point thriller between the teams last year.

The Tigers did so without a conventional forward line, with the classy Brayden O'Hara leading the goalkicking with 35 for the season, although he did miss a slab through injury.

"We don't have a traditional forward line, we're not going to have a (Josh) Mellington or someone like that," German said.

"I think our forward line will be a revolving door to be honest."

O'Hara is again the key, while Chris Hyde will also spend extended periods in the forward line.

Albury's pre-season continues with an intraclub on Saturday in Wodonga, followed by an away game to Tatura.