North Melbourne's full squad was back in action for the first official day of the 2026 pre-season on Monday as the five-year plus players returned for duty.

In warm conditions, the morning began with a gruelling 2km time trial which saw winger Dylan Stephens reclaim his throne as the endurance king.

The squad were split into two groups separated by a 30-second interval, with Stephens the first of the AFL-listed players ahead of impressive runs from Griffin Logue and Luke McDonald.

Players who did not take part due to modified programs were: Caleb Daniel, Zane Duursma, Jy Simpkin, Luke Urquhart, Callum Coleman-Jones, Paul Curtis, Jackson Archer, Matt Whitlock and Cam Zurhaar.

Top 10 2km time trial

1. Dylan Stephens
2. Griffin Logue
3. Luke McDonald
4. Colby McKercher
5. Harry Sheezel
= Tom Powell
= Zac Banch
8. Cooper Trembath
9. Bailey Scott
10. River Stevens