Indefatigable wingman Andrew Gaff might not be the biggest fan of shortened quarters, but you wouldn’t have guessed it after round one.

In a cutthroat competition, Gaff’s elite running power to get from contest to contest where others simply can’t has helped set the dual All Australian apart across his 198-game career at West Coast.

However, the ultra-consistent 27-year-old still didn’t miss a beat against Melbourne in the Eagles’ surreal season-opener.

Despite quarters being cut to 16 minutes plus time on, Gaff still racked up 30 disposals – up 3.3 from his career average - with seven score involvements, three clearances and a goal in the 27-point triumph.

“I normally cover 15 or 16kms a game, and I was about 12-and-a-half (against Melbourne). I love the normal game time which we’ve done for so many years, that’s my preference, but a lot of people liked it the other way round,” Gaff told westcoasteagles.com.au.

“Who knows what’s going to happen with that (in future), but I think you get your better players out on the ground a bit more.

“You still go off, it’s not like guys play 100 per cent of the games I don’t think anymore, but you just spend less time on the bench.

“You rely on guys being fitter and being able to come on the bench and a minute later someone comes off and you’re back on, fully recovered and ready to go.”

Although Nic Naitanui didn’t notice much difference with his game time, Gaff predicted there could be benefits for the dynamic ruckman once the season resumes.

“For someone who has had terrible injury luck in his career it could be a really good thing for him,” Gaff said.

“Whenever he’s out on the ground he can go absolutely flat out and not worry about blowing up as much. It can also impact the team that is picked.

“A second ruck can be someone maybe that stays on the bench a lot more and pinch-hits, because you’ve got the same amount of rotations and guys are still going through there.

“It’s something for Simmo (Adam Simpson) and coaches all over the country to figure out when and if that comes in in the long run.”

With Naitanui fit and firing after a standout pre-season and marquee recruit Tim Kelly starting in the centre square, the Eagles rolled out their first-choice midfield against the Demons and built on their developing connection.

“It was really good. I think (Kelly) complements our midfield but also provides something extra, he always kicks goals, which is really important as a midfielder,” Gaff said.

“I feel like we’ve got a lot of depth in there now that we don’t rely on one or two. If some guys are down others will step up and play well, and vice versa the next week.”

If there is one certainty while the AFL season is suspended it is that Gaff will return to the club in tip-top condition.

The Victorian product has remained in Perth during the shutdown period but is in frequent contact with his family during the challenging period for all Australians.

“We’ve got to live like that’s going to be our round two (game in early June),” Gaff said.

“I’ve got uni stuff which is heating up towards the back end of my degree, so it’s best for me to stay here.

“Tough for everyone back home, as it is with every family, but mum and dad, it’s obviously a tough time for them with dad’s tennis business as well, which is one of so many businesses that are going through a really tough time.

“Being there for them and in contact with them is really important. You understand a lot of people are doing it a lot tougher than us as footballers.

“We understand that and even within our footy club and even guys on our list, some guys have been around a long time, some guys are rookies in their first year.

“That mental health, looking after each other side of things is really important from now and the unknown nature of how long everything is going to happen until it goes past is anybody’s guess.

“We’ve got to stay tight, look after each other but also stay fit and ready to go, when and if the season starts again.”