The midfielder copped the blow late in the 37-point win, and it is understood the Tigers are considering citing the Crow involved in the incident.

It's the last thing the Tigers need given a handful of other key players are already sidelined before Saturday's ANZAC Day eve twilight showdown against Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes at Robertson Oval.

Ruckman Tom Osmotherly (shoulder), Will Keogh (ankle) and Tom Buchanan (unavailable) are among the first choice regulars set to miss a few more matches.

"It's very frustrating," Shepherd said.

"I'm waiting to hear back from the surgeon in Canberra on whether I'll need surgery, but it'll probably be a minimum of six weeks (out) I reckon."

IN OTHER NEWS

Shepherd said he was pleased with how the Tigers responded to the Crows' early challenge, with the hosts kicking the first four goals before Wagga dominated the final term.

"One of the most pleasing things was we got asked a question and we responded to it," Shepherd said.

"Leeton were a lot better than we expected and we had a few guys (six) debuting. They took a quarter or two to get used to the game, and they were great after that.

"It impressed me how the young blokes stepped up."

The Goannas are tipped to be one of the teams to beat this year after a strong off-season recruiting drive, and will play their first game of the season against the Tigers after having the bye in round one.

They will be confident after enjoying a narrow five-point trial win over Eastlake on the weekend.

MCUE will be without Jono Male and Adam Trotto for at least the first couple of weeks of the season after they picked up injuries during an intra-club trial.

"I was looking forward to playing in that one," Shepherd said.

"It's a big game, playing under lights at Robbo before ANZAC Day."

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: