The former Greater Western Victoria Rebel fractured his cheekbone and eye socket in the Tigers' Anzac Day thumping of Hamilton Kangaroos on Sunday.

Portland mentor Jarrod Holt said Shepherd's injury was the result of friendly fire and was completely accidental. "He and Kyle Richardson ran in and then Aaron dropped," he said.

"It was about 10 minutes into the first quarter and then the ambulance came."

Holt said Shepherd was a popular person at the Hanlon Park-based outfit. "He won a club best-and-fairest for us a couple of seasons ago," Holt said.

"He had a bit of a knee niggle to start the year and has worked hard to get himself back. He just works really hard so we feel for him.

"He said that he has to see a surgeon so I think he won't be playing for a while. He's really loved by the boys and no doubt they'll reach out and get around him."

Portland plays Warrnambool on Saturday.

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.