It was the new kids on the block that shone on Wednesday morning with Johnny Rayner and Patrick Ambrose battling it out in the 2km time trial.

The entire playing group took part in their first time trial for 2014 around the Princes Park running track.

Rayner took out the run just ahead of Ambrose with veteran midfielder Brent Stanton coming in closely behind them.

High Performance Manager Justin Crow said a high standard was set among the group.

“The guys have come back in a really good shape following the Christmas break and I was really happy with how they ran,” Crow said.

“We saw some really good times, a couple of sub 6 minute times and some really significant improvements leading into a really strong footy block of training through January and February.”

Rayner said he had noticed the impact of his training since beginning pre-season with the club in November.

“It was definitely tougher for me, it was good to have a few of the boys a bit closer this time and I ran with Patty Ambrose almost all of the way.”

“Carry a few extra kilos and not doing the athletics training anymore it was a bit different but I still ran a better time which was nice.”

Crow said the performance of Michael Hibberd and Cory Dell’Olio stood out from the group that headed to Boulder for the club’s high altitude camp.

“We are really happy with the group from Boulder and in particular those smaller type players have improved their running.”

“They have improved their running through that block and that resulted in them running some really good times today.”