A “flying” Jamie Cripps is West Coast’s 2km time trial king again after taking the honours ahead of a pair of emerging midfielders.

Renowned as one of the hardest-running players in the competition, Cripps raced to victory to frank his impressive return to the training track at Mineral Resources Park.

Not far behind were engine room pair Greg Clark and Jai Culley, who have been shining lights so far this pre-season and will be looking to build on their debut seasons in blue and gold in 2023.

Clark managed nine appearances last season after being drafted from Subiaco via pick 62 in 2021, while Culley played four games following being taken with the No.1 pick in the mid-season rookie draft.

While the top trio shone, there were a number of personal bests recorded during Wednesday’s time trial.

“I think everyone looks a little leaner from what I can tell. Hopefully we’ll get some good numbers on the track, in particular in January, February when it’s most important,” coach Adam Simpson said.

“But the fitness side of things we’re quite pleased with.”

Simpson, who said Cripps is “flying at the moment”, revealed during his Wednesday media conference that gun wingman Andrew Gaff and skipper Luke Shuey did not run the time trial, while the club’s recent draftees were also held out.

“I think they’re all pretty fit those boys (draftees) in their own right … but it’s a different level when you get to AFL,” Simpson said.

“I don’t need to see them run 2kers on their second day. We’ll give them a bit of time.”