"Upon his arrival back from the Northern Territory, Willie had some scans on his sore foot and has today (Thursday) gone in for an operation to clean up the issue," a club statement said.

The extent of the problem will soon become clearer.

Speculation has been rife in O and M circles that Wheeler's injury was season-ending.

It would be a massive blow for not only the club, but also the league, if the former Williamstown superstar was to miss the year, but hopefully the surgery has a positive outcome.

The classy midfielder played the last of his six successive games for Nightcliff on December 5.

It's been a tough few days for the Pigeons with pacy forward Jess Koopman awaiting scan results after injuring his shoulder in last Saturday's practice match against Wangaratta Rovers.

"The club wishes 'Wheels' all the best and hope it (surgery) goes well and it's a speedy recovery for 'Wheels' and Jess," the club statement said.

Yarrawonga's 2019 season was ruined by injury as the club fell one short of equalling the league record 14 straight finals campaigns by Wangaratta Rovers (1969-1982).

The Pigeons will be desperate they're not derailed again by injuries.

The competition looks the tightest it's been for many years, so injuries will play a significant role.

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Yarrawonga could be without four players for the first game against Albury, with Wheeler's younger brother Harry and Matt Casey facing a clash with a cricket grand final.

However, to their credit, the Pigeons have retained a sense of humour.

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"'Wheels' is booked to drive Nick Lawless's tractor for the sowing season and just like in his playing days, Nick wants things done right." (Lawless was one of the more laidback characters to play in the O and M).