Third-year midfielder Josh Kelly has dominated the first 3km time trial of the 2016 pre-season.
The GIANTS’ first to four year players returned to the track at Tom Wills Oval on Monday morning and were greeted with a gruelling 3km test in the Sydney heat after eight weeks away.
Kelly led from start to finish with a strong run, leading the field ahead of other noted runner Lachie Whitfield with Jake Barrett finishing in third.
A former number two draft pick, 20-year-old Kelly has played 36 games in his two seasons at the elite level, including 18 in 2015.
Kelly said it was a tough introduction back to training but he’s excited for 2016.
“It’s always the dreaded 3km on the first day but it’s what we set ourselves and it’s good to get it over and done with,” Kelly said.
“All the boys are looking really fit, Whitters (Lachie Whitfield) pushed me all the way. It’s a tough event and none of the boys really look forward to it but it sets us up for a good pre-season.
“Coming back into Sydney weather is always going to be a big tester but I felt pretty good and I’m setting myself for a big pre-season.”
Second-year GIANTS Pat McKenna and Caleb Marchbank rounded out the top five.
The GIANTS’ fifth year players, including the likes of Jeremy Cameron, Devon Smith, Dylan Shiel and Stephen Coniglio, will return to training on Saturday with their own 3km time trial.
The club’s elder statesman, and new recruit Steve Johnson, will begin their campaign on November 23.
3km Time Trial
1 - Josh Kelly
2 - Lachie Whitfield
3 - Jake Barrett
4 - Pat McKenna
5 - Caleb Marchbank
