SYDNEY has launched into pre-season training for the first time since its heartbreaking Grand Final defeat, with rookie midfielder Jordan Foote taking the honours in the 3km time trial among the club's first-to-fourth-year players. 

Last season's NAB AFL Rising Star winner Callum Mills, small forward Tom Papley and tough nut Zak Jones also took part in the gut-busting endurance run, 51 days after playing in the season-deciding loss to the Western Bulldogs. 

Harrison Marsh, dropped for the Grand Final, was also on the track as the Swans kicked-off their build-up to round one against Port Adelaide. 

Foote, who made his AFL debut in round 18 last season, beat home Irish youngster Colin O'Riordan and VFL product Nic Newman at Centennial Parklands.

The Swans get their 2017 campaign underway. Picture: sydneyswans.com.au

It was the first time Foote had run the time trial after battling shin splints in his first two seasons on the Swans' list.

"It felt pretty good, actually. It's always a bit nerve-wracking coming back first day - you don't quite know where you're at after the off-season – but overall it was pretty good," Foote told sydneyswans.com.au.

"We weren't 100 per cent sure whether we'd have one (a time trial) first day back or not, but sure enough we walked in to the club and saw it on the whiteboard so everyone prepared themselves.

"I was obviously stoked to come out first, but most of the boys seem pretty happy with the run and happy with their off-season training." 

The Swans' senior players are due to return to training next week, although star midfielder Dan Hannebery was already back at the club on Monday.