AFLW pre-season began earlier this week, and for some clubs, that meant the dreaded time trial.

A modified pre-season is on the cards for Fremantle superstar Kiara Bowers, North Melbourne's best could not be separated, while Adelaide is looking to refresh its attack.

What's been happening around the grounds?

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FREMANTLE

Another pre-season, another Kiara Bowers 2km time trial win.

The Dockers veteran shaded winger Airlie Runnalls (who cut an impressive 30 seconds off her personal best), Gabby O'Sullivan, Philipa Seth and Mikayla Hyde in fifth.

Irish draftee Joanne Cregg finished sixth.

Airlie Runnalls tackles Kerryn Harrington during round six, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

Coach Lisa Webb flagged some changes to the 31-year-old Bowers' pre-season to help the crash-and-bash Docker's load management.

"There are things we're going to work on with 'Turbo' (Bowers) to continue to develop her game," Webb said.

"Good luck trying to keep her off the track, but there are ways we can try and change her program slightly to keep her going for as long as we can."

BRISBANE

Former All-Australian winger Orla O'Dwyer unsurprisingly took out yet another Brisbane 2km time trial, but she also knocked off an incredible 18 seconds on her personal best.

"I think going into this and I suppose the last couple of months, a lot of us have worked hard in that off-season with our running and gym and it's good to see those personal accolades working," O'Dwyer told lionsfc.com.au.

"A lot of girls got PBs which is great to see as well. It's a good stepping stone and you're always happy to get a PB, it's always a good, nice feeling and it shows the work pays off.

Orla O'Dwyer in action during Brisbane's qualifying final against Richmond on November 5, 2022. Picture: Getty Images

"I think it's inspiration for the rest of the girls. You see Ally Anderson, League best and fairest, cutting I think it was 20 seconds maybe off hers. Lily 'Poss' (Postlethwaite) coming back from an ACL and cutting a good chunk off hers. 

"Ones like that are really special, you can see those girls really want to get back and better and work harder."

NORTH MELBOURNE

There was a rare tie for first in the Kangaroos' 1.5km time trial, with Ash Riddell and Nicole Bresnehan crossing the line together.

Taylah Gatt finished third, with recruit Lulu Pullar and Jenna Bruton rounding out the top five.

A number of players – including Riddell and Bresnehan – recorded personal bests, with targets Tahlia Randall, Emma King and Kim Rennie among those running their quickest times.

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ADELAIDE

Senior Crow Ebony Marinoff has hinted at a new-look gameplan for Adelaide, which made a preliminary final last season.

Adelaide lost leading goalkicker Ashleigh Saint (née Woodland) to Port Adelaide, but brought in former Irish Giant Yvonne Bonner and the returning Jess Allan.

"It's going to be super exciting, there were a few changes in the off-season," Marinoff told Adelaide's website.

"I feel like we've got an opportunity to change the way we move the footy and how the forward system works.

Ebony Marinoff celebrates a goal during Adelaide's clash against Greater Western Sydney in round five, S7, 2022. Picture: Getty Images

"I am really optimistic about what this group can do, and I'm super excited that our younger girls have had a couple of seasons now and they’re really finding their feet and being more confident and talking at training. 

"We're here to win a premiership and we're here to strive for the best … that's one thing that's led us to be competitive no matter what, and even when we are challenged with losing players, we are always giving that opportunity to the next person in line."

CARLTON

The Blues are eyeing off "a new era" under fresh coach Mathew Buck, after a sweeping external review of the club's women's football program.

"I really hope it is. It's got to be," Darcy Vescio told carltonfc.com.au.

"To flip complete to day (training) is a complete lifestyle shift for all of us. 

Darcy Vescio in action during round two, season seven, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

"It's definitely one of the biggest changes our program has ever seen, and it creates a distinguished line between what football was formerly at a community level where you train at night, to coming into AFLW and having a weekend session, to now."

SYDNEY

Details are a little scarce from the Swans, but Bridie Kennedy zoomed home to take out the club's first time trial.

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Kennedy is a noted endurance athlete who has a record of strong finishes in such tests dating back to her time in the under-18s talent pathway.

She played all 10 matches last year, but will be looking to get her hands on the footy a little more this season, having averaged 6.5 disposals.