Key defender Alex Pearce feels his pre-season is on track after showing some significant improvement in Monday's time trial at Victor George Kailis Oval.
The Fremantle playing group were welcomed back to the club following a mandatory three-week break with a 2km race to test their fitness heading into the 2019 season.
Pearce delivered a personal best time and was pleased to build on his last time trial run in November.
“I was a little bit disappointed with my time when I came back from the off-season, so it was nice to be able to come back,” Pearce said.
“It was a PB for me over 2km, so I was very happy.
“It was nice and hot to welcome us back and I think everyone had a pretty good time and ran well.”
Running midfielder Stefan Giro once again reigned supreme in the race, finishing ahead of Andrew Brayshaw, Sam Switkowski, Ethan Hughes and Ed Langdon.
A showdown on the final stretch between Pearce and captain Nat Fyfe was one of the highlights of the run, with Pearce narrowly taking the honours as the pair earned top-10 finishes.
“With a lap to go, Nat overtook me and a few of the other boys,” Pearce said.
“I decided to go with him and try to stay with him. He ended up dragging me along and I think I just pipped him at the end so it was very nice to take out the ‘skip’.”
Pearce enjoyed the bulk of his break in Ulverstone in his home state of Tasmania where he continued his training program with a few friends.
“It was all about sticking to the program really and just getting it done," Pearce said.
“I had a nice few weeks back at home in Tassie, I did some good training with mates and had a really good mental break as well.
"I caught up with a lot of friends and family but it's nice to be able to come back and run a good time.”
