Sheppard, who played 14 consecutive games in an impressive debut 2010 season, has added four kilograms to his slight frame this pre-season and says his engine has increased significantly.
However, with plenty of young midfielders fit and jockeying for onball positions in 2011, the 19-year-old said he would look to build on the half-back role he played with distinction last season.
"If the option's there I'd love to play midfield, but for the time being I'm happy in the backline," Sheppard told afl.com.au.
"We've got a pretty full squad at the moment, so it's going to be hard to get into the team for starters.
"I'm quite happy playing in the backline. I enjoy it, we've got a top group of boys back there and we've done quite a bit of the pre-season together."
The Eagles selected Sheppard with their first pick (No.7 overall) at the 2009 NAB AFL Draft, but his debut was delayed until round seven by a cheek fracture.
He said he had learned plenty from his first 14 games at the top level and would enter the new season confident in his abilities.
"You go from playing school footy to WAFL footy and then the AFL's a pretty big step - you don't really know what to expect," he said.
"I got to match-up on the best out on the field, so that's a good learning experience and something I can take into this year. It gives me a lot more confidence."
Already recognised as one of the best kicks in the Eagles squad, Sheppard said his pre-season, spent mostly with new backline coach David Teague and development coach Justin Longmuir, had been productive.
"It's been a lot tougher than my first year," he said.
"First year you're getting used to the environment, you're getting used to being an AFL footballer, whereas this year I haven't missed a beat, I've been in everything.
"I'm trying to improve my fitness, my strength and size, and also my skills. I'm looking to improve my whole game."
West Coast has enjoyed a drama-free pre-season, with midfielder Daniel Kerr (hamstring) the only ongoing injury concern, and Beau Waters (knee), Patrick McGinnity (shoulder) and Luke Shuey (finger) recently sidelined for brief periods.
Sheppard said the relatively clean bill of health had resulted in a competitive training environment, with the young squad's best line-up to take shape through the NAB Cup.
"With all the guys out on the track, although they're your mates, at the end of the day you're all fighting to get in that best 22," Sheppard said.
"So there's a lot of competition, which has made it a good, strong environment down there.
"With everyone out on the track it's given everyone a lot more confidence and we can't wait to get into it.
