ESSENDON forward Patrick Ambrose has impressed with a win in the club's 2km time trial around Princes Park on Tuesday morning.
However, the 24-year-old was upstaged by veteran Brent Stanton, who crossed the line in second spot.
The 29-year-old midfielder, who recently signed a new one-year deal with the club, wasn't required back at training for another fortnight but simply wanted to come down for a run with his young teammates.
Of the first- to fourth-year players, Orazio Fantasia crossed the line second followed by delisted midfielder Will Hams, who is expected to be offered a rookie spot by the Bombers, then Jason Ashby and Kyle Langford.
New coach John Worsfold said Ambrose was "a very, very athletic young player", but warned the club's youngest players that they were for in for a tough training block.
"Overall from the group, they were OK, for first day up, but plenty of room for improvement," he said.
"I think there's going to be some pretty good targets set for these guys over the next six weeks."
Worsfold also expressed excitement about the arrival of his former Eagles' teammate Guy McKenna as an assistant coach next week.
"Well, I don't know if I trust him, we'll have to wait and see," Worsfold joked.
"I've obviously played my whole career alongside Bluey, but we've gone different paths in the last 12 or 13 years.
"I obviously know what he's been up to and he's got great experience and great passion for the game.
"It's always nice to have some people that you start at a new workplace that you know pretty well."
It will be a long day for up to a dozen of Essendon's young players, who will travel with their new coach to Darwin on Tuesday night for a training camp and community visits.
Patrick Ambrose leads the field in the Dons' time trial. Picture: AFL Media
New coach John Worsfold looks on. Picture: AFL Media
All smiles before the time trial. Picture: AFL Media
Joe Daniher catches his breath after the time trial. Picture: AFL Media
