As feared, Symes injured his anterior cruciate ligament against Wangaratta Rovers last Saturday with a Melbourne-based specialist confirming the news.

"We were hoping it wasn't, he's such a good bloke and he'a such a good player for the league," coach Damian Sexton said.

The Pigeons must now look to rebound on the road on Saturday against North Albury, which will debut Oliver Brosolo and Sam Azzi.

"Sam's raw, he's a marking forward who's taken 36 marks inside 50 out of the 42 taken by the under 18 team," coach Isaac Muller said.

"Ollie's a small, strong forward who's got himself into really good nick over the pre-season.

"There's probably no one more deserving than Ollie for a position in the seniors.

"He gives us that forward-half pressure and can inject himself into the midfield from time to time."