Jake Stein’s footy switch has started with a bang with the rookie taking out Monday’s 3km time trial as the GIANTS’ first to four-year players hit the track for day one of pre-season training.
In hot and humid conditions at Tom Wills Oval on Monday morning, the former decathlete took out the first challenge of the 2017 pre-season as he led home a field that included young guns Jacob Hopper and Matt Kennedy as well as regular AFL stars Rory Lobb, Zac Williams and Aidan Corr.
22-year-old Stein finished just ahead of last year’s NAB AFL Rising Star nominee Hopper with Matthew Kennedy, Zac Williams and Rory Lobb rounding out the top five.
Regular time trial leader Josh Kelly was back at training but completed running away from the main group with a minor ankle complaint.
It was the first time the younger players had hit the track in their preparations for season 2017 with the 3km test followed by a light skills session.
Watch: Meet Category B Rookie Jake Stein
In total, 11 GIANTS players returned to training this week before the remainder of the group hit the track on December 5.
Former Richmond star and new recruit Brett Deledio will have his first day as a GIANT next Monday, along with the club’s new draftees following Friday night’s NAB AFL Draft.
3km Time Trial Top Five
- Jake Stein
- Jacob Hopper
- Matthew Kennedy
- Zac Williams
- Rory Lobb
