Round one commencing on schedule remains in limbo but West Coast defender Brad Sheppard’s preparation to face Melbourne hasn’t changed amid the uncertainty.

The AFL has delayed a decision whether the season-opening weekend will go ahead until Wednesday.

However, Sheppard insisted the Eagles have remain focused on gearing up for the Demons this Sunday and he isn’t finding it difficult to concentrate on football.

“It’s not really. We’re professional athletes, we’re trained to train and play footy,” Sheppard told TAB Radio.

“It is hard to escape (the impact of COVID-19) – it’s definitely hard to escape – you’re limiting your contact with your friends and family, you’re almost in quarantine without actually having the virus.

“The club has gone through great measures, as with every club in the AFL, to prevent contact with the public because you don’t know who they have been in contact with.

“In terms of that, it’s been a different approach to round one, normally there’s a big build-up and it hasn’t had that as yet.

“In saying that, we’re really looking forward. All the players have done the bulk of training and we’re fit and ready to go and we want to get out there and start playing.”

The Eagles trained strongly on Tuesday at Mineral Resources Park and have already turned their attention to combating the Dees, who they narrowly defeated by 16 and 13 points in two tough meetings last season.

“Amidst all the stuff that’s happening outside the footy club and within the footy club we touched on them (Melbourne) yesterday (Monday) and we’re preparing like we’re playing,” Sheppard said.

“Until we get told otherwise our preparation into this week and into round one hasn’t changed from previous years.

“We’re starting to get our game faces on now.

“By all reports they’ve (Demons) had a great pre-season and they’ve got stars across every line. It’s going to be a tough game.

“Round one everyone is fresh and doesn’t have any niggles or injuries, so no doubt it should be a great contest.

“I’m really looking forward to playing. There will be no crowd there so we’ll have to create our own atmosphere and energy.

“But we’re preparing for Melbourne to play at their best.”