Co-captain Jy Simpkin has set the standard as North Melbourne's five-year plus players returned for their first official day of the AFL pre-season.

In wet conditions, Simpkin led home a pack of selected players who tested their legs in a 2km time trial, ahead of Dylan Stephens and previous time trial winner Colby McKercher, who slipped over on the finish line in third place.

Several senior players sat out the time trial, including Harry Sheezel and trade arrival Luke Parker. 

Griffin Logue came home fourth, ahead of co-captain Luke McDonald in fifth, with No.2 draft pick Finn O'Sullivan impressing his new teammates by finishing sixth.

Darcy Tucker, Bailey Scott, Tom Powell and Paul Curtis rounded out the top 10.

Trade recruits Jack Darling, Caleb Daniel, Jacob Konstanty and Parker joined the full squad in Thursday's session, along with newly recruited draftees O'Sullivan, Matt Whitlock, Luke Urquhart and River Stevens.

McKercher wasn't alone in taking a gentle tumble on the finish line, with Eddie Ford also suffering the same fate.

Despite the Kangaroos having no remaining AFL list spots, a number of VFL-listed players also took part in the run, with former Gold Coast midfielder Darcy Macpherson impressing.

Top 10 2km time trial

1. Jy Simpkin
2. Dylan Stephens
3. Colby McKercher
4. Griffin Logue
5. Luke McDonald
6. Finn O'Sullivan
7. Darcy Tucker
8. Bailey Scott
9. Tom Powell
10. Paul Curtis