COLLINGWOOD midfielder Tom Phillips' burgeoning reputation as the club's time-trial standout has remained intact after he took out Monday's fitness test. 

With the players returning to training following their Christmas break on Monday, Phillips held hot pursuant Josh Smith at bay to again win the 2km time trial. 

Magpies rookie Flynn Appleby (the cousin of professional golfer Stuart) finished third, with Steele Sidebottom fourth and Jack Crisp fifth.

Phillips was also the victor ahead of Smith when the Magpies ran their time trial in November.

Phillips, who has played 24 games in two seasons with the Pies, also won the 2015 and 2016 time trials. 

The long-distance specialist took the mantle from Sidebottom who was a perennial winner of the fitness test before Phillips arrived at the club. 

Phillips averaged 21 disposals in 18 matches for Collingwood in 2017, growing in confidence as the Magpies utilised his running power on the wing and through the midfield. 

The 21-year-old was also nominated for the NAB AFL Rising Star award in round nine after gathering 24 disposals against Hawthorn.