A 30 degree day wasn't ideal for the returning North Melbourne players on their first day of pre-season and after several grueling hours in the gym and outside in the heat, kangaroos.com.au caught up with some players and coaches.

What did you get up to in the off-season?

Kieran Harper: I went to Europe for three weeks with my brother and sister. We were in Turkey, Croatia, Germany, London and Paris so it was rushed but well worth it.

Shane Watson: I took the family to Fiji, was a good place to get away.

Ben Mabon: I went back home to Hay for most of the time and then stayed up on the Gold Coast with Ats (Shaun Atley) for a couple of nights.

Tom Curran: Just got back home with the family over the break for the most part. I went over to Bali for a week with Max Warren and a couple of other guys so that was my first time overseas.

Shaun Atley: I went back to the farm in Rochester which is up near Echuca. Lots of space, nearly 100 acres which is good and then I was up on the Gold Coast for a few nights. I'm not a big overseas man, I'd rather just chill out.

How did you find the first day back?

Kieran Harper: It wouldn't have been too bad if it wasn't so hot but because of the heat it whacked us around a bit.

Shane Watson: Pre-season's never easy but it was a really solid first day. The heat played a part and I thought they all were pretty impressive on a tough day. It was pleasing and they'll all sleep well tonight.

Ben Mabon: It was one of the hardest sessions I've ever done. The first time I've thrown up while running so it was pretty hard!

Tom Curran: I didn't do too much of the running but watching the guys out in the heat it looked like one of the hardest sessions I'd seen the boys do.

Shaun Atley: The first day back is always tough, we were out there for almost four and a half hours so it was a good way to get back into it.

What's your goal for the pre-season?

Kieran Harper: To get to a level that's competent to be in the midfield rather than lingering around the half-forward line.

Shane Watson: Not any specific goals, we're ramping up the skill work in the pre-season so today's emphasis was along those lines; four of the six rotations involved skills and then obviously running as well. Leading into Utah we'll do a lot more skill based.

Ben Mabon: From a fitness perspective I'd like to be running with Goldy (Todd Goldstein), that's the goal because he's obviously the benchmark. If I can get near him I'd be pretty happy but I don't really want to set any boundaries on it.

Tom Curran: To get the foot 100 percent and then get stuck into all the running. Try to build my upper body and just everything really. I'm still pretty young with a lot of growing to do. I also want to learn as much as I can about the game plan and prove myself to the guys as much as possible.

Shaun Atley: Just to try and at least maintain the testing from last year like the 2k time trial and then better that. This pre-season's going to be even harder than the last one so it'll be tough but I'm looking forward to it.