Hitting the ground running when the green light is given for West Coast to resume training together will be pivotal, according to veteran defender Will Schofield.

The Eagles players have been restricted to training with just one other teammate under current guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19, presenting challenges for not just their fitness but skills as well.

“The training thing is an interesting one, I think that’s going to be the biggest challenge in terms of starting back up once the virus pandemic and restrictions pass,” Schofield told 6PR.

“How quickly can teams get players to go from an individualised program away from the footy club to being able to play games of footy at an elite level?

“I think that will be our biggest challenge, given that there will be many. We’re down to training with one other player, so we can still get a kick in.

“My son Nash, he’s about one-and-a-half, he’s not quite kicking the 50m required to get those longer kicks in. I’m locked in with a few of the boys at the moment, but a bit of a rotation policy and do the best we can.

“Ideally, we’d like to come back and play as soon as possible but it’s a bit of a wait and see and see where we’re at in a couple of months.”

Schofield was an emergency for the round one victory over Melbourne but watched from the sidelines as the Eagles headed into the uncertain season suspension with a 27-point victory.

Despite exciting cameos from boom recruit Tim Kelly (19 disposals, one goal) and Brendon Ah Chee (12, two) there was a flat atmosphere at an empty Optus Stadium, which normally would have been close to capacity for the season-opener.

“The atmosphere was non-existent and I think you saw the game change a little bit how players played and reacted,” Schofield said.

“There was less excitement, which is what makes our game great and it was demonstrated the fans provide that.

“The sooner we can get fans back watching footy at the games, providing that atmosphere and support the better for the game for sure.”