Young ruckman Max Lynch surprised with third placing in the time trial showing the athleticism that had him close to selection at times last year.

"I was nervous last night. I was struggling to sleep a little bit,but now that it's done I feel good,"Lynch told collingwoodfc.com

"Happy with my time,so it was an all-round good result for me."

Meanwhile Melbourne began with a three-kilometre time trial around Melbourne's Tan track with Alex Neal-Bullen leading the group home,having been sent on their Christmas break with 100 x 100-metre sprints,while St Kilda,Geelong,Carlton,Essendon,the Brisbane Lions and the Western Bulldogs also hit the track this week.

Bombers skipper Dyson Heppell had his hair shaved off after raising close to $300,000 for the bushfire appeal.