Essendon midfielder Brent Stanton has taken out Tuesday morning’s 2km time trial around Princess Park in hot and windy conditions.

The club’s senior players took part in the time trial with the 27-year-old finishing ahead of Heath Hocking in second place and Crichton Medalist Brendon Goddard in third position.

Stanton said the run was made tougher by the blustery conditions around the track.

“It was pretty tough out here today we had a big head wind for the last one and a bit kilometers which is most of the run,” Stanton said.

“The boys did really well today and this is a great stepping stone for our pre-season.”

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Entering his eleventh season in the red and black Stanton said the first time trial of pre-season was always a nervous time.

“It is a bit of the unknown as you train by yourself and you can only do so much to push yourself,” he said.

“To come out here today and run a half decent time is a good way to start pre-season.”

Stanton said the feeling around the club since commencing pre-season was one of excitement.

“It has been fantastic, the vibe is really good and everyone is up and about,” he said.

“The new facility has bought us back to life after ten weeks off but the facility is not going to do it all for us and we have to come and train and improve on last year.”