Training in isolation is “uncharted territory” for AFL players and keeping fit without going too hard before games resume is a balancing act, according to elite runner Andrew Gaff.

After 10 seasons in blue and gold, Gaff knows how to prepare his body for the rigours of covering roughly 15km per game better than most.

But the star West Coast wingman said players were being challenged operating remotely while the AFL season remains in recess.

“I think once we find out a date that we know we’re a good chance to come back on I think guys will be really good at peaking towards that time and building up towards that return date,” Gaff told ABC radio.

“At the moment it’s tough, but it’s tough for everyone (in the community) at the moment.

“Without a return date that we know of it’s that battle between do we keep footy fit and keep doing lots of change of direction and that kind of stuff at the moment?

“Or do we strip it back and just do basic conditioning running and then once we have a date we build up that footy side of things as we go?

“I think we’ve been doing a bit of both, footy stuff but also the tough running stuff, which is the same across the whole comp I’d assume.

“You’ve got guys at different ages who have been around 13 or 14 years like (Josh) Kennedy and (Shannon) Hurn, whereas you’ve got guys who are 18 or 19 in their first year trying to stay fit but also once we get back up and going they want to push their name up in lights for a game in the seniors.

“It’s a really tough battle for everyone at the footy club at the moment. It’s uncharted territory here.”

Running machine Gaff only needed one interchange break per quarter during the 16-minute (plus time on) terms in round one, and racked up 30 touches in another quality performance.

The 27-year-old noticed the difference during reduced quarters in the win over Melbourne and expected games would suit dynamic players once the season resumes.

“We could just do 10km runs at jogging pace (training solo) … once you come back to games you don’t have that speed or agility that we need, especially with quarters no doubt going to be shorter for the rest of the season once we come back,” Gaff said.

“A lot goes into it. A lot more than perhaps anyone really knows. That’s why the strength and conditioning guys are so important at footy clubs.”