Bachar Houli isn’t about to sit back and admire his handy-work from the 2011 season if today’s time trial around the 3.8km Tan Track is any guide.
Houli, who finished fifth in the Jack Dyer Medal last season, is working harder than ever to get every ounce out of himself this pre-season in preparation for 2012.
Houli ran superbly today to win the time trial and send a clear message that he is ready to take up where he left off last season. He ran a time time of 13 minutes and nine seconds.
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And after crossing the finish line, Houli wasn’t done. After a few deep breaths, he then jogged back to the group to finish the run with those coming in at the tail, encouraging them to push through to the end.
Another highlight of today’s time trial was the performance of Brandon Ellis who finished just a matter of seconds behind Houli.
It was an impressive effort from the Tigers’ first-round draft selection and he is clearly coping well with the rigours of his first full pre-season at AFL level. Matthew White finished third in the time trial.
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Jack Riewoldt did not take part in the time trial but Tiger fans need not be concerned. The Tiger spearhead took part an in solid football skills / running session back at Punt Road Oval.
He is expected to join in full training in the next few weeks and fitness staff have no concerns that he will be fit and firing on all cylinders when the 2012 season kicks off. Jake King was also an on-looker as he recovers from a minor knee injury he sustained during the International Rules Series.
Trent Cotchin and Nathan Foley both did time trials on the turf at Punt Road Oval and ran personal best times.
The top 10 in today's time trial were:
1. Bachar Houli
2. Brandon Ellis
3. Matthew White
4. Shane Edwards
5. Brett Deledio
6. Matthew Arnot
7. Chris Newman
8. Reece Conca
9. Jake Batchelor
10. Dustin Martin
