The blistering morning sun added another dimension to Monday’s time trial, but the result was much the same.

Excelling over a longer distance on Friday, Will Fordham this time took the honours on the shorter track.

With Sam Gibson sitting out the rookie led from the start and was never headed, despite the best efforts of draftee Mitch Hibberd and forward Mason Wood.

Gibson told NMFC.com.au he was impressed by the performances of his younger teammates.

“You see that more often these days. The 18-year-old’s come in more and more prepared.

“They are really fit and that’s with three weeks of AFL pre-season, so you can only imagine where they’ll be in a few years.”

While Fordham will be delighted with his pre-season form, the real challenge could come when Gibson returns to full training.

The midfielder underwent minor ankle surgery in the off-season.

“(It was) just a grumbly ankle. We cleaned it up so I don’t have to deal with it this year,” Gibson said. 

“You feel a bit guilty to be honest, that they (his teammates) are putting in the hard yards and unfortunately I can’t just yet.

“I should be joining in a little bit towards the back end of this week and full-on after Christmas and ready to go.

“I feel really good now. It’s just a matter of actually getting some work into the legs.”