The GIANTS’ first to fourth year players were welcomed back to the club with a time trial in warm conditions at Sydney Olympic Park on Wednesday.
Coming into his fourth season, Tomlinson fought for the lead with second-year midfielder Josh Kelly and and fellow fourth-year Tomas Bugg for much of the race before breaking away in the final lap to cross the line first.
The 193cm utility played 19 games in 2014 and is known for his elite endurance. After finishing second in last year’s time trial, Tomlinson was pleased to lead home a strong field after working hard during his break away from the club.
“It was good to get the run out of the way,” he said.
“Buggy, Josh Kelly and I pushed each other through the whole race. I didn’t feel as nervous knowing that I was going to be able to run with a few people. I think we pushed each other pretty well and I was lucky enough to take the chocolates.
“I worked really hard with a few mates in Melbourne and it was pretty rewarding to come out today and run because you never really know how you’re going to go and it’s a good gauge for how you’re going to go for the rest of the pre-season.”
Acting Head of Sports Science Andrew Bahnert was pleased with the results across the field of 19 players.
“We just want it burning in the front of their minds to come back and know where they’re all and it’s just a good way to see whether they’ve done the work over the off-season or not,” he said.
“We set the boys targets to return at and I think, just briefly looking over it, most of the guys hit those.”
Bahnert said the tough introduction back to training was just a taste of what is to come as the club prepares for the 2015 season.
“Three years in now, they know what’s expected of them and they came back in really good shape so we’re pretty pleased with just about all of them,” he said.
“With that three years under the belt now, physiologically they switch and they go to another level so the standards and what we’re going to ask of them is just going to go up and up every session.
“I think they’re ready for that and we’re looking forward to it.”
The GIANTS’ first to fourth year players returned to training on Wednesday with new recruits Ryan Griffen, Joel Patfull and the remainder of the squad to resume training on November 17.
Top 10 - 3km Time Trial
1. Adam Tomlinson
2. Josh Kelly
3. Tomas Bugg
4. Toby Greene
5. Stephen Coniglio
6. Tim Golds
7. Jake Barrett
8. Devon Smith
9. Jack Steele
10. Jeremy Cameron
