Hawthorn has completed its first time trial of the 2018 pre-season, with several young Hawks posting personal best results. 

The playing group was divided into two groups as Isaac Smith took out the 2.2km event for the sixth time in seven years, and Jaeger O’Meara won the aerobic repeat effort test in an impressive performance.

Director of High Performance Andrew Russell said that while strong results are important, it was the sheer weight of numbers on the track that set the club in good stead. 

“We had all but about six players out there running today,” said Russell.

“We’ve started our preparations with a really healthy list, so that’s a fantastic springboard for our 2018 campaign.

“Although it’s great that we had a lot of guys running near their best today, the most important thing is that we have a lot of players fit, healthy and in prime condition to attack our ball program.”

While Smith was impressive, crossing the finish line 16 seconds ahead of second place, it was the new wave of Hawks who made their mark, with two of the club’s youngest players pushing hard to round out the top three. 

2017 debutant Harry Morrison stormed home on the last lap to cross the line in second place, three seconds ahead of Irishman Conor Nash. 

Jonathon Ceglar also neared a personal best time in the aerobic repeat effort test, as the ruckman continues his recovery from a knee reconstruction.

Read: Jeff Kennett's letter to Hawthorn members

2.2km time trial results

1^st – Isaac Smith
2^nd – Harry Morrison
3^rd – Conor Nash
4^th – Ben Stratton
4^th – Dallas Willsmore
4^th – Jonathan O’Rourke
7^th – Daniel Howe
7^th – Jack Gunston