North Melbourne recruit Dylan Stephens has backed up last week's shuttle run victory, winning it again as the Kangaroos' five-year plus players returned ahead of schedule to kick off their 2024 AFL pre-season.

Stephens again led the way through the 1.8km time trial, barely breaking a sweat to beat fellow winger Darcy Tucker and co-captain Jy Simpkin.

Star midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke was fourth, while veteran Liam Shiels rounded out the top five.

Trade acquisition Zac Fisher didn't take part in the time trial but did run laps of Arden Street Oval with Aidan Corr, Curtis Taylor and Jackson Archer.

Cam Zurhaar, Blake Drury, Brayden George, Charlie Comben, Tarryn Thomas and Griffin Logue also didn't feature as they continued their modified programs due to injury.

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Shuttle run top 10

1. Dylan Stephens
2. Darcy Tucker
3. Jy Simpkin
4. Luke Davies-Uniacke
5. Liam Shiels
6. Harry Sheezel
= Bailey Scott
8. Jaidyn Stephenson
9. Charlie Lazzaro
10. Miller Bergman