Former Williamstown best and fairest Wheeler was on crutches for the Pigeons' Easter Sunday clash against Lavington.

"I've done what they call a lisfranc ligament (in my left foot), which I had never heard of, a lot of people haven't, apparently it's an important one, so bit of time away," Wheeler revealed.

He was then quizzed if it meant season over.

"Yeah, it looks that way, I think it's a 12-monther," he said.

Wheeler's injury is not only a bitter blow for the Pigeons' finals hopes, it's also a major disappointment for the league.

When Wheeler and fellow Williamstown life member Leigh Masters signed in November, 2109, they were trumpeted as the club's biggest recruits since Brendan Fevola in early 2012.

The prospect of ball-magnet Wheeler joining younger brother Harry and good friend Mark Whiley in the midfield had Pigeons' supporters confident they could play finals after a 13-year run was snapped in 2019.

Injuries played a major role then and, unfortunately, it appears the 'curse' is still there.

Yarrawonga desperately needs a forward and while Koopman isn't key position, he's a player who has shown he can kick bags of goals, including two hauls of seven in 2019.

"I dislocated my right shoulder in a practice game around a month ago and I've had the scan, which shows I need the surgery, so that's season over, season done," he offered.

"I've had a couple of issues with the left one before, but now I've done the good one."

Former Victorian Amateurs half-forward Harry Haley kicked two goals at full-forward against Lavington, although he's not a classic key position.

ALSO IN SPORT:

The Pigeons have kicked just 11 majors in two games and must now beat Wodonga.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: