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It’s the day some players dread and others thrive on; the first time trial.

With perennial winner Sam Gibson unavailable due to post season surgery, all the talk during the week revolved around the next in line.

Mason Wood, Will Fordham and Shaun Atley were among the favourites, while youngsters Mitch Hibberd and Declan Mountford excelled at the draft combine in endurance-based events.

It was Mountford who got out to an early lead in the first of four groups, but Fordham, whose 2015 season campaign ended prematurely due to an ankle issue, flew home.

Looking to stake a claim for a senior promotion, the 19-year-old rookie raced over the line to claim top honours, followed by Hibberd and Wood. Mountford rounded out the top four.

NMFC.com.au followed Fordham along every step of the way during his preparation for the time trial. Stay tuned for the full video.