North Melbourne has literally hit the ground running as the first-to-fourth-year players returned for the opening day of pre-season.
The young Roos were whacked with a 2km time trial as soon as they walked into Arden Street.
Second-year player and highly-touted star Colby McKercher led all-comers, notching up a personal best, finishing ahead of versatile tall Finnbar Maley, followed by Bailey Scott and Tom Powell.
McKercher played 16 games in his maiden season at North Melbourne, predominantly across half-back, gathering 23.8 disposals, 4.4 marks and 5.0 rebound 50s per game.
With his sights set on more time further up the ground, the Tasmanian has been putting in the work during the off-season, hoping to help the struggling club rise off the bottom of the ladder.
"I've been putting in some solid work over the off-season with a few of the boys here at the club," McKercher said.
"It's nice to tick the 2km off. I think it might be a personal best for me. So pretty happy with that.
McKercher alluded to the notion that a host of North Melbourne players have been in the gym or on the track since the season finished.
"It's great to have the accountability of all the boys coming into the club each day," McKercher added.
"We really hold each other to a high standard, and we got some solid work in in those sessions, and it sets us up well."
Breakout defender Jackson Archer featured in the top five, while Harry Sheezel came seventh.
North Melbourne has finished in the bottom two for the past five seasons, including two wooden spoons.
In a bid to revive the club's standards and culture, the Kangaroos lured a trifecta of veterans from rival clubs. Luke Parker, Caleb Daniel and Jack Darling all joined Arden Street during the trade period.
SEE MORE: North Melbourne draft analysis
It is also understood that North Melbourne is willing to split its prized Pick 2 for two later first-round selections in the upcoming National Draft.
North Melbourne 2km time trial results
1. Colby McKercher
2. Finnbar Maley
3. Bailey Scott
4. Tom Powell
5. Jackson Archer
6. Will Phillips
7. Harry Sheezel
8. Miller Bergman
9. Eddie Ford
10. Robert Hansen jnr
