Adelaide wingman Lachlan Sholl has taken out the Crows’ 2km time trial, narrowly edging out Ben Keays in warm conditions at North Adelaide’s Park 10 on Saturday morning.
The Crows were split into three groups for the pre-season time trial due to COVID-19 restrictions, with No.2 draft pick Riley Thilthorpe crossing the line first for the forwards group.
The midfield group was the one to watch, with Sholl setting the pace early despite having Keays, Jackson Hately, Chayce Jones, Rory Laird and Rory Sloane all hot on his heels.
After finishing eighth last year, the 20-year-old crossed the line first, ahead of Keays, Jones and Laird.
Speaking to reporters following the session, Sholl said it was pleasing a number of players achieved the goals they set for themselves ahead of the time trial.
“There were a lot of good runners today. We all came back in really good nick and a lot of us have come back and run good times, and times we were looking for,” Sholl said.
“I guess it’s a nice feeling to come out on top, but at the end of the day it’s very much a personal thing and everyone’s out to just beat themselves really and a lot of guys did that, which is great.”
Defender Jake Kelly was the best performer in the final group, with his time ranked fourth overall, while Brodie Smith also impressed.
Young defender Fischer McAsey took a tumble metres from the finish line, with the heat and intensity getting the better of the emerging teenager as he pushed himself to his limit.
"He’s doing ok now, which is the main thing," Sholl said.
"I guess it’s just testament to how tough the run is. The heat certainly doesn’t help, but Fish is doing ok so that’s the main thing."
2021 Time Trial – Top Five
1. Lachlan Sholl
2. Ben Keays
3. Chayce Jones
4. Jake Kelly
5. Rory Laird
