A FIT and firing Chris Knights is optimistic his shift from Adelaide to Richmond will prompt his best football and the consistent opportunities he was denied in his final year as a Crow.

Knights, 26, was the first player to utilise free agency last month when he seamlessly became a Tiger after eight years at West Lakes.

He started pre-season training with his new teammates on Thursday, and for the first time in a number of years, did so outside the rehabilitation group having not required post-season surgery.

Knights said he felt as though he was in a good position - physically and mentally - to attack season 2013 after an incident-free break.

"I'm really in good shape and I've had a good off-season - I've continued to train for most of the break," Knights said on Saturday after the Tigers' 2km time trial at Princes Park.

"I've had some unfortunate things; a foot in 2010, some hips things and a few other little bits and pieces in the last three years so it has been a bit frustrating.

"I was saying to some of the boys this is going to be the first pre-season I haven't had surgery for awhile so it's been good."

The time trial was won by young gun Brandon Ellis, with Daniel Jackson - who wasn't at full pace - and untried defender Matt Arnot on his heels.

Missing from the pack were those in the rehab group, including Jack Riewoldt (hip), Nathan Foley (achilles), Chris Newman (still on leave), Troy Chaplin (knee) and Jake King, while Ivan Maric and Brett Deledio were also absent.

Former Collingwood ruckman Cameron Wood and ex-Cat Orren Stephenson ran but recent Gold Coast youngster Josh Toy was absent with illness.

The trio have been invited to train with the Tigers ahead of Thursday's NAB AFL Draft and the December pre-season and rookie drafts, along with former player Addam Maric.

Knights said he was feeling good after his decision to leave Adelaide, and he felt as though his departure wasn't tainted with animosity.

"I didn't get much of a run last year, which was pretty frustrating for me," he said.

"The team was playing pretty well and I sort of got off to a slow start with a few injuries.

"[The Crows] understood I needed to do what was best for me in terms of making sure that I played senior games.

"I had a couple of good conversations with the coaching staff and David Noble in list management, and I think we both came to the conclusion that whilst they wanted me to stay, they understood my reasons for leaving.

"The free agency thing meant I was able to move really pain free so I was appreciative and fortunate the transition was smooth."

After talks with former Crow Maric, who moved to the Tigers 12 months ago, Knights decided Punt Road was the home for him based on their direction, culture and leadership.

Chris Knights (l) runs alongside Luke McGuane on Thursday. Picture: AFL Media

He said his experience in the AFL, which includes 96 senior games since 2005, had left him feeling confident in his ability to do what was required to make a regular impact.

"I think you get to this age and you feel comfortable with AFL and what's the expectations and the pressures and that sort of thing," he said.

"You know what you need to focus on and you've just got to go and do your business.

"The game is forever evolving and everyone is training harder and doing things better.

"Whilst you may feel that you're in your prime, you've just got to make sure that you keep working hard and doing everything to the best of your ability because everyone is trying to take your spot.

"Hopefully, nothing is guaranteed, but I can put a really good pre-season in and put my claim forward and get a run next year."

Jennifer Witham is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow her on Twitter @AFL_JenWitham.