Star defender Brad Sheppard says he will be ready to go if the AFL season is given the green light to resume at the end of July as per recent reports in the media.

Respected AFL journalist Caroline Wilson reported on Footy Classified last night that the league was considering restarting the premiership season during the time slot previously earmarked for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

She said if that were to transpire, teams would need to play multiple matches per week to fulfil the league’s desired 17-round season.

Sheppard told TAB Radio this morning that the Eagles had been training in preparation for all resumption scenarios, including a condensed fixture.

“I think if the season gets up and going again we’ve been aware as players that you’re going to be playing potentially two games within the week to try and churn out the numbers to try and hit that (17-round) target,” Sheppard said.

“We’re aware of that and we’re training and well equipped if that does happen. Hopefully we keep flattening the (COVID 19) curve and we can actually get up and going again.

“If we can get up and going, touch wood in July, then great. If it is a little bit later and the season gets underway in … August or September then it’s fair to say it’ll be a condensed season and we’ll have to play a couple of games in a week.

“It’s good to see that the public is taking this seriously, keeping 1.5 metre distancing and the isolation. The quicker the public can do that and we all do that the quicker the game is going to restart.

“I’m hoping it’s sooner rather than later.”

Sheppard, who has been getting his remote training program done alongside dual Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy, said he was enjoying putting in the hard yards in spite of the unusual training arrangements.

He also revealed that he was drawing motivation from several inspirational television series at present.

“It’s been different, but I’ve actually really enjoyed the hard work,” Sheppard said.

“Things that are keeping me motivated, I watched The Test on Amazon the other week … and then I also watched All or Nothing about the All Blacks, about they go about their business.

“They’re one of the greatest teams in the world and one of the greatest franchises and brands. Just to see how professional they are and what their stars do off-field, their humility, I’m trying to draw inspiration from the vision.

“I’m in that highly motivated stage at the moment, so I’ve really enjoyed the training.”