Bradley Hill led post to post as he took out this morning’s 3km time trial at UWA Sports Park.
Hill showed the same elite endurance and pace that turned heads at the 2011 draft combine, the last time he ran a time trial over 3km.
It didn’t take long for Hill to set up an early lead. As he rounded the corner after the second kilometre, he looked over his shoulder to check his advantage over the chasing pack.
Finishing second for the day was Tommy Sheridan, with Cameron Sutcliffe close behind in third.
Ed Langdon finished fourth and Josh Deluca and Nat Fyfe tied to round out the top five.
Josh Deluca and Nat Fyfe tied for fifth in the time trial
But the work wasn’t over as the group caught their breath and the pained expressions faded. A skills session rounded out the morning before returning to the club.
While pleased with the win, Hill sees his time as more of a target to beat than an achievement. During his five years at Hawthorn, Hill ran shorter time trials over 2.2km.
“It was good, especially to end up with the win for my first time trial,” Bradley Hill said.
“It was a good run, I haven’t done a 3km for a long time and I got a bit fatigued over the last lap.
“Hopefully I can beat it the next time I do it, I think after Christmas, so I’m looking forward to that.”
While Hill fell to his knees after he crossed the line, his run seemed effortless until the end, and the 23-year-old is pleased with how he is shaping up after a fortnight of training at the club.
“You want to run good times and fit, and be ready for a big pre-season,” Hill said
“I’m all settled in at the club now and living with my brother. It’s pretty cruisy. I’ve met most of the boys before through Stephen so it’s pretty easy to fit right in.”
Hill also gave some insight into some potential banter over dinner between the Hill siblings.
“I don’t think he’ll ever get me!” said Hill about getting one up on his brother
“Nah, I’m probably a bit better than Stephen over long distance but over a short distance I think we’re pretty close.”
The Hill brothers were relaxed just minutes before the time trial
Lachie Weller feels the pain after he crossed the line
