It's a bitter blow for the premiership fancies as they meet Albury in Saturday's grand final re-match.

And it follows the pectoral muscle injury to Michael Newton, also suffered in last week's win over Lavington.

Newton is also set to miss an extended period.

"Matt's got a strain of the medial ligament and the early prognosis is four to six weeks, so we're hoping it's more towards the four end as you always are," Pies' coach Luke Morgan said.

May has been a tough month for the rampaging on-baller the past two years after he suffered a broken wrist against North Albury in 2018.

However, the Pies have been able to replace the super-talented duo with premiership players Daine Porter and Frazer Dent.

It will be Dent's first senior game this season.

"'Fraz' had a little (leg) niggle, he had a delayed start and missed rounds one and two," Morgan said.

"He then worked his way through the reserves and played really well, so he deserved his spot."

Dent was outstanding in the 2017 grand final win over Albury, who struck back last year by ambushing the Pies.

The Tigers will likewise be prepared for an early onslaught at home.

Wangaratta will still start favourites, but the double-barrelled blow - plus the return of three premiership players for Albury - has evened out the ledger.

"We're expecting an Albury that's been a very experienced and talented football side over the past decade," Morgan said.

Elliott Powell has been one of the league's best players over the opening five rounds and co-coach Luke Daly was delighted with his form immediately after last week's win over Corowa-Rutherglen.

"He's been super, he's had a really good pre-season so that has probably helped him," he said.

"I reckon one reason why he's had such a good start to the year is because he's probably the fittest he's ever been."

During its 10-year domination of the league, claiming seven flags, the Tigers have been able to ward off every challenge.

It started with Yarrawonga, the pair meeting in a record six straight deciders.

Lavington fell in two successive grand finals before the Pies stunning upset.

Albury has proven itself one of the greatest clubs in league history, so it will be totally focused on overcoming its biggest challenger yet again.