> Footage of the two-kilometre time trial at Olympic Park

Click here to watch Nathan Buckley front the media on his first official day as an assistant coach

There were plenty of promising signs from Collingwood's first official return to the track on Monday morning.

The Magpies' exciting youth was on display during the two-kilometre time trial held at Olympic Park.

With the thermostat nearing the 30 degree mark, the majority of the football staff and administrators were on hand to watch the players go through their opening paces.

In similar circumstances to last year, Steele Sidebottom impressed with a first place finish, slightly ahead of teammate Jaxson Barham.

Rounding out the top three was Dayne Beams, who had drastically improved his time from last year.

A light skills session ensued at Gosch’s Paddock with new assistant coaches Nathan Buckley and Scott Watters overseeing their first hitout.  Also on hand was former St Kilda defender Max Hudghton who will assist with the defensive line in 2010.

The session concluded with Buckley fronting the media for his first press conference as an assistant coach.

Collingwood will spend the following two weeks preparing for its high-altitude training camp in Flagstaff, Arizona.  It will be the fourth time the team has visited the location during a pre-season.



Jaxson Barham and Dayne Beams finished second and third respectively.



Collingwood's big men including Shae McNamara (permission to train), Cameron Wood and new recruit Darren Jolly were pushing hard during the run.



Shannon Cox receives his first instructions from Nathan Buckley.  Travis Cloke leads after the first lap.



Rookie-listed ruckman Lachlan Keeffe gave it his all during the time trial.



The bulk of the playing list line up for the two-kilometre time trial to kick of the pre-season.