Hawks young gun Josh Weddle has maintained his time trial winning streak following a stand-out display on Saturday.
Entering his second pre-season, the endurance specialist proved too strong for the field as the group completed the gruelling running test amidst its 2024 pre-season.
The 19-year-old has produced some impressive running times since arriving to Hawthorn at Pick 18 in the 2022 national draft, having also claimed back-to-back wins in the two time trial instalments last season.
Despite the rainy conditions at Bunjil Bagora, Weddle lead from start to finish, but was pushed the whole way by a quartet of his teammates aged 22 years or younger.
Third-year Hawk Sam Butler's dashing pace was on full display, finishing runner-up alongside Weddle.
Maginness, a previous two-time time trial winner, continued to show off his incredible endurance, claiming third place.
Hawthorn's 2021 draft duo Josh Ward and Connor Macdonald both delivered strong performances to round out the top five.
High Performance Manager Peter Burge praised the players for their efforts in the testing conditions.
"Today was a real mental challenge for the guys," Burge said.
"They had their 1km time trial, followed by a great training session with some footy skills, which I was really impressed with the level of skill considering the conditions.
"Josh's running power is outstanding, particularly for his size, and just his mental strength as well is super impressive.
"Sam Butler as well was also right up there and very close, pushing Josh the whole way.
"Someone like Finn we just expect that level, but he's got more people challenging him now over the past couple of years - we've had more players come to the club who are very good runners.
"But, in saying that, I'd compliment the whole group particularly today and how they went about it."
Burge highlighted several other stand-outs on the day including Jack Scrimshaw, Josh Bennetts, Bailey Macdonald and Henry Hustwaite, who each finished with personal best times.
"We had some improvements today as well, which in these conditions is just outstanding," Burge added.
"It shows what the guys have done in their off-season - doing their programs and looking to grow and improve, which is all we can ask for.
"Bailey Macdonald has come back and has certainly taken a couple of steps in his conditioning this year, he's also spent a lot of the time in the gym so his body transformation is quite significant.
"Young Josh Bennetts as well, Cam Mackenzie too has worked really hard in the off-season, Jack Scrimshaw produced his best run today as well."
The time trial format - which is now in its second year - saw players run four separate 1km segments with short breaks in between.
Hawthorn time trial top five
- Josh Weddle
- Sam Butler
- Finn Maginness
- Josh Ward
- Connor Macdonald
