An early morning time-trial followed by a series of consecutive sprints were surely testing enough for North’s players on Wednesday, but a subsequent skills session at Aegis Park was the ultimate test of their resilience.

While the weather was forgiving early in the day, the sun was well and truly shining for the first training run of 2012.

With the endurance work out of the way, the Kangaroos relished the opportunity to get their hands on the footy and participate in drills based on precision kicking and disposal under pressure.

Heavy legs from the running and a swirly breeze made things difficult, but there were plenty of youngsters looking to impress with keen observer Brad Scott surveying his options for the NAB Cup opener in just over a month.

Check out the best photos from the session below:

Aaron Black lines up the handball

Shaun Atley prepares a pin-point pass

Will Sierakowski in motion

Cameron Delaney takes a strong grab

Ben McKinley with a clean gather

Luke Delaney prepares to clear as Brady Rawlings looks on

Will Sierakowski takes control

Gavin Urquhart looks for an option