Collingwood's draftees reported for their first day of work as their new teammates undertook their annual two-kilometre time trial.
The positivity experienced at this time of year was palpable. The arrival of new faces, wide eyed and hungry for involvement, energises the entire club, and puts an extra spring in the step of the existing players as they head out to train.
The three teenagers secured in last Friday's National Draft - Jaidyn Stephenson, Nathan Murphy and Tyler Brown - pulled on their new ISC training uniforms and spent time with captain Scott Pendlebury before blending in with the wider group.
Listen up, fellas. Photo: Collingwood Media.
Reckon these two are related? Photo: Collingwood Media.
All players and coaches then headed out onto the training track to prepare for the second two-kilometre time trial of the pre-season.
As is so often the case, Tom Phillips stormed home to record victory by a significant margin. He was followed by Levi Greenwood (second) and Josh Smith (third). Stephenson performed well, too, running at the head of the pack during the opening laps.
Brodie Grundy laces up. Photo: Collingwood Media.
Shirts off with Fas. Photo: Collingwood Media.
Born to run. Photo: Collingwood Media.
Jaidyn Stephenson leads the pack. Photo: Collingwood Media.
Mason Cox strips off. Photo: Collingwood Media.
The winner takes it in. Photo: Collingwood Media.
Rest and recover. Photo: Collingwood Media.
The players completed their session at midday, leaving the three youngsters to face the media in the Holden Centre foyer.
Tyler Brown hunts the Gatorade. Photo: Collingwood Media.
A laugh with the media. Photo: Collingwood Media.
Tyler, Nathan and Jaidyn are now FOREVER part of the Collingwood story. Photo: Collingwood Media.
Photos: New faces and time trials
Collingwood's draftees reported for their first day of work as the 2018 Magpies undertook their annual two-kilometre time trial.