Symes damaged his right anterior cruciate ligament in the round seven loss to Wangaratta Rovers last May and underwent surgery in July.

The 196cm ruckman-forward was training with the Pigeons prior to the coronavirus shutdown of training and play last month.

"I couldn't do a full training session, but I could do straight line stuff and I could still kick the footy," he said.

"I had the operation on July 15 and that was the month I was aiming to return."

Symes is training in isolation, but admits he's missing out in a number of areas.

"I should be doing group training, proper footy training (to help in my recovery)," he said.

"They (medical staff) reckon everything you need (for stability in the knee) heals, but then you need to get your proprioception (the sense of self-movement and body posture) back, so your awareness when you're trying to land."

Symes has starred in both the ruck and forward, admitting the latter is his favourite.

"Probably prefer forward, but I'll play wherever they think I'm needed." he said.

Symes' absence was crucial in the Pigeons missing finals for the first time in 14 years in 2019.

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Then coach Damian Sexton raved about his loyal clubman.

""He's a ripping bloke," he said.

"He could get a squillion dollars in a lot of other places, but he doesn't want that.

"He's an unbelievable clubman, you build your foundations on people like him."

Yarrawonga was tipped as a big improver this season after signing Williamstown best and fairest winners Leigh Masters and Willie Wheeler, with the club buzzing as a result.