NORTH Melbourne rookie Will Fordham has claimed the Kangaroos' first pre-season time trial on Friday in the absence of perennial winner Sam Gibson.

Fordham, who was recruited in last year's NAB AFL Rookie Draft with pick No.33, put on an impressive display after having his 2015 season curtailed by ankle issues. 

GALLERY: United Roos hit the track

Gibson did not run due to post-season surgery, allowing Fordham to dominate. 

He beat home new draftee Mitch Hibberd, Mason Wood and another new Roos in Declan Mountford.

Fordham told North's website that while he was happy with his own performance, he was very impressed by the new recruits.

"(Declan) is a fit boy," Fordham said. 

"He needs a couple of more seasons in the legs and he'll probably be the best runner here. Hibberd - far out he's a good runner."

North Melbourne coach Brad Scott said the players who went on the pre-season camp to Utah had an advantage in the time trial but he was impressed by the overall fitness of the group.

"The boys have presented themselves in really good shape," Scott told NMFC.com.au.

"The guys who have been in Utah for two weeks have come back as we expected, with a little bit of a head start. It's Will's time to shine at the moment.

"He was fantastic but he's going to face some stiff competition, probably from the next week onwards.