North Melbourne rookie Sam Gibson has had a perfect start to the New Year, taking out the club's first two-kilometre time-trial of 2012.
Despite the absence of Nathan Grima (rested), Gibson was most impressive, reeling in Ryan Bastinac and Jamie Macmillan who'd jumped out to an early lead after two laps.
“He (Bastinac) went out pretty quick and it can be hard to find your place with 30 other guys running," Gibson told kangaroos.com.au.
"You can get caught behind a few blokes, but I just stuck to my pace. I kept running as fast as I could and thankfully I got Basti in the end."
After a short Christmas break it was a tough first day back for the players who all wanted to prove themselves in the time-trial.
“It’s always good to get the first one one out of the way once you’re back and you’ve had some time off. You can be pretty nervous to see where you’re at.
“It’s hard work, your body’s in a bit of shock getting back to training after the break, but it’s always really good to get back into it and feel like you’ve upped your pace again.”
“I was pretty happy with my time, it was a good starting point.”
Will Sierakowski finished in third place, with Jamie Macmillan not far behind.
There was little time to relax though despite the players' exhaustion, with more grueling work to follow. 
Jamie Macmillan leads Ryan Bastinac
 | |
| Jamie Macmillan out in front early | |
 | |
| Sam Gibson hits the lead | |
 | |
| Sam Gibson stretches down after winning the time trial |
