Hawthorn are set to complete the annual pre-Christmas time trial on Wednesday. The boys will complete the 2km run around the Ricoh Centre, in what's sure to be a hotly contested event.
With several speedsters in our ranks, we can only guess at who will cross the finish line first. However, recent history may give us an indication of potential frontrunners.
Have a look at the Hawks' pre-Christmas time trial results from the last five years.
2011 – The start of the Smith era.
Having only been drafted the previous year, Isaac Smith surprised everyone when he crossed the line first to win the 2011 pre-Christmas time trial. Little did everyone know this would be the start of a time trial dynasty.
Liam Shiels and Buddy Franklin performed well, finishing in second and third place respectively.
2012 – Back to back for Smith.
Smith was at it again, striding ahead of Bradley Hill, Liam Shiels and Ben Stratton to claim back to back time trial titles.
2013 – Smith’s threepeat.
Third time’s a charm. However, this year was certainly no easy feat for Smith. Hartung pushed him the whole way, with the boys neck and neck heading into the final lap. In the end, Smith cemented himself as the speed king, and Hartung cemented himself as one to watch.
2014 – Smith, again.
Again, in 2014, Isaac Smith proved he was the man to beat. Hartung chased him around the track again, but was unable to find an extra gear when the finish line drew nigh. Big-man Ben McEvoy also challenged the boys and earned himself a podium finish.
2015 - Hartung's Revenge.
Last year, Hartung decided it was time to put an end to Smith's reign. After finishing a commendable second place in the previous two years, Hartung raced to the front of the pack when it mattered most, with Smith finishing second.
"There's obviously been a bit of banter about me, Issie and Hilly [Bradley Hill] when it comes to the time trial, and it was finally good to get one over them this time," Hartung said after last year's win.
2016 - TBA
Could Hartung and Smith finish in another nail biter? Is it Shiels' time to shine? Have any of our new draftees got legs? Only time will tell.
