New recruit Steve Johnson has hit the ground running on day one of pre-season, finishing third in the GIANTS’ 3km time trial as the club’s older players returned.

The final group of players returned to the club on Monday including co-captains Callan Ward and Phil Davis as well as Heath Shaw, Shane Mumford, Tom Scully, Joel Patfull, Ryan Griffen and Johnson’s fellow new recruit Dawson Simpson.

The players were hit with two 3km time trials either side of a skills session in warm conditions at Tom Wills Oval in Western Sydney.

Vice-captain Tom Scully set a blistering pace to take out both tests ahead of Rhys Palmer and Johnson.

32-year-old Johnson joined the GIANTS during the trade period after 253 games and 452 goals at Geelong. Scully said just having Johnson in orange and charcoal gives the side a lift ahead of 2016.

“Stevie J was probably the tip of them, he came out and ran third in both time trials which is really good,” Scully said.

“Obviously his old legs are holding up pretty well and it’s really exciting to have him at the footy club.

“He’s only been here for a couple of hours but I think him just walking into the club gives everyone a lot of confidence and we’re really excited to see him play next year.

“No doubt it gives you some confidence that you’ve got a three-time premiership player and a noted big-game player as well.

“Someone who is not just going to add his football credentials but his leadership capabilities as well, it’s going to be really valuable for our footy club.”

It was no surprise noted athlete Scully took out the time trial with the 103-game player one of the best runners in the league.

“It was obviously pretty hot and tough conditions but it’s always nice to get the 3km out of the way,” Scully said.

“It never gets any easier and the fitness staff decided to spring a second one on us there but it builds your mental and physical strength in these conditions.”

The full GIANTS list have now returned to pre-season training and will be joined by the club’s new draftees after the 2015 NAB AFL Draft in Adelaide on Tuesday night.