As North Melbourne’s first-to-fourth-year players kicked off their pre-season campaign on Monday, they were joined on the training track by a handful of senior players who cut their off-seasons short to join the session.

Luke Davies-Uniacke was by no means the oldest in this group of early returners, with senior Kangaroos Jack Ziebell, Luke McDonald and Kayne Turner also taking part.

Photo gallery
Pumped-up Roos return to the track

With a number of players just starting their first full pre-seasons, Davies-Uniacke says the experience of the club’s leaders is helping to drive standards.

“It’s great to have L-Mac (Luke McDonald), Ziebs and Kayne-o out there. The senior blokes ... lead the way,” Davies-Uniacke told North Media.

“It’s awesome to be back at the club and it’s good to see all the boys. We’re all excited to get back into things and we can’t wait for next year."

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Luke Davies-Uniacke interview (November 22, 2021)

Luke Davies-Uniacke speaks with North Media following the return of North's first to fourth year players to training.

While Monday’s session was filled with a sea of familiar faces, there was one new player donning the royal blue and white for the first time, as off-season acquisition Callum Coleman-Jones introduced himself to Arden Street.

A 201cm ruck/forward prospect, Coleman-Jones impressed over the course of the session, with his trademark strength and power on show early.

Davies-Uniacke says the arrival of Coleman-Jones gives the club even more versatility in its list.

“We’re going to have huge depth across all lines. ‘CJ’ coming in is only going to help ‘X’ (Tristan Xerri) and ‘Goldy’ (Todd Goldstein).

“Those young blokes from last year are [also] really going to be pushing for selection.

“It’s up to everyone to push each other this pre-season, and we can’t wait for it."