St Kilda speedster Darcy Wilson has taken out the club's pre-season 3km time trial for the second year running.

Wilson missed one match in 2024 after being taken with Pick 18 in the AFL Draft 12 months ago and has impressed since walking into the Moorabbin club.

The Wangaratta Rovers product showcased his running power across his maiden season at the top level and backed it up heading into 2025.

Wilson was closely followed by veteran Bradley Hill and youngster Hugo Garcia, while midfield duo Mattaes Phillipou and Jack Steele rounded out the top five.

It's been made abundantly clear by Ross Lyon and his coaching group on the club's emphasis to become a dominant running side, utilising their aerobic capacity to fatigue their opponents.

Drafteesย Tobie Travaglia,ย Alix Tauru,ย James Barrat,ย Alex Dodsonย andย Patrick Saidย did not take part in the time trial, with Max Kingย (knee),ย Marcus Windhagerย (hamstring) andย Liam Stockerย (groin) among the players to sit out as they complete their respective recoveries.

At the Western Bulldogs, young defender Joel Freijah took out the club's 2km time trial, while Lachie McNeil and untried swingman Jordan Croft rounded out the podium.

Sydney also put their first-to-fourth-year players to the test in the sweltering heat, with Corey Warner crossing the line before Caiden Cleary and Matt Roberts.

Hawthorn wingman Changkuoth Jiath also took out the club's fitness test on day one of pre-season, according toย AFL Media.

Jiath battled injuries throughout 2024, limiting him to 11 appearances.

Star recruits Josh Battle and Tom Barrass were also seen in their new colours.

Gold Coast midfielder Sam Flanders was also crowned as the Suns speedster after claiming the 2km time trial.

Flanders led fellow youngsters Ethan Read and Connor Budarick while Bodhi Uwland, Joel Jeffrey, Sam Clohesy and Bailey Humphries also impressed.

For North Melbourne it was skipper Jy Simpkin who set the standard by taking out their best time in the 2km.

Youngsters Dylan Stephens and Colby McKercher followed in second and third spot respectively, while No.2 draftee Finn O'Sullivan finished sixth.