SEVEN Essendon players set personal best times in a 2km time-trial on Thursday as a handful of young Bombers prepared for their first season under returning coach James Hird.

Forward Paddy Ambrose won the Princess Park run from former Giant Kurt Aylett and midfielder Elliott Kavanagh.

Aylett has been delisted but the Bombers plan to add him to their rookie list, while Kavanagh explored his trade options before staying put.

BOMBER’S AFL FINE STILL OUTSTANDING

The Bombers’ new-look coaching staff was on hand, including favourite son Mark Harvey and former Melbourne coach Mark Neeld.

Emerging star Joe Daniher and powerful defender Michael Hibberd also impressed.

media_camera Essendon players returned to pre-season training in excellent shape.

The Bombers’ first-to-fourth-year players hit the track and high performance manager Justin Crow was pleased after two days of physical testing.

“We were really happy with how the guys came back today and ran,” Crow said.

“We had seven personal best times, which is excellent for day one and it gives us something to build off.”

media_camera James Hird was joined by his newly appointed Essendon assistant coaches Mark Neeld and Mark Harvey.

Old Xaverians recruit Ambrose, 23, broke off the rookie list to play 16 games in 2014 and said he was working hard to boost his acceleration.

“I have always been fit and now just need to work on my speed,” he said.

“It helps with my repeat leads, staying a bit fresher until the last quarter. With the interchange cap now it is even more important to be fit.”

media_camera Shaun Edwards pushed himself hard during the 2km time trial, vomiting after finishing his run.

The Bombers, with picks No. 17 and 20 in this month’s draft, will add two more prized youngsters to their list.

Irish signing Conor McKenna — who chose the Bombers ahead of a handful of suitors — has met his new teammates and has started training.

The endurance athlete with superb agility booted four goals and was best-afield in his debut footy game this year against this year’s hottest teenage talents.

“It has been not too bad so far — I got here last night at about 7.30 when (academy manager) Marty Allison picked me up from the airport,” McKenna said.