Gutsy defender Brad Sheppard says West Coast’s players are relishing the eight-day break between games coming off a bruising win in a finals-like clash against Geelong.

Renowned for putting his body on the line each week, Sheppard was among the Eagles who pulled up a touch sore from the nine-point triumph, moving gingerly during a light recovery session in the wet on Monday.

But the consummate professional was in fine fettle again by Tuesday morning during a skills session at Mineral Resources Park, and is looking forward to facing Carlton at Optus Stadium on Sunday after a bye in round 10. 

With Hawthorn to come the following Sunday, the next two matches could be the last before the fixture squeeze begins to impact the Eagles' recovery time between matches. 

“From Saturday night, me personally I pulled up pretty sore, there was a few sore boys from the game, it was a pretty combative game,” Sheppard told TAB Radio.

“So to have that couple of extra days to get the body cherry-ripe for Sunday is definitely going to help.

“They’re (Carlton) building really nice. ‘Teaguey’ (coach David Teague) has got them up and about.

“They’re a dangerous side, aren’t they? They can score quick, score heavily and they really take the game on.

“It’s another challenge for the group.

“Hopefully ‘Gov’ (Jeremy McGovern) is going to play this week, he’ll be pretty close (following a fractured thumb).”

Talented tall Harry Edwards, who is being monitored after a head knock against Geelong, made his debut to replace McGovern as part of a youthful backline against the Cats.

Emerging trio Liam Duggan, Tom Cole and Jackson Nelson again enjoyed the opportunity to play together and are adding spark to the evolving defensive line-up.

“Those boys are rippers," Sheppard said.

"They play a bit higher and their athletic profile to get up the ground and back again to complement the backline has been first-class.

“They’re tough blokes as well. They like throwing their weight around and they’re building into the season nicely.

“Those three down there I think they’re the future of our footy club and the way they’re playing has been great for the backline and the team as well.”