The 4-7 year players returned to the track to begin pre-sesaon this morning, engaging in a gruelling 3 km time trial followed by a solid skills workout.

The inclement weather at Sydney’s Centennial Park didn’t seem to deter the players who all returned in good spirits and health as they began their preparations for the season ahead.

What was extremely pleasing for Swans fans was the performance of Matt Spangher who took out the time trial, beating midfielders Kieren Jack and Craig Bird across the line.

Spangher, who struggled with injuries early last season only to come home with several impressive performances late in the year, attributed today's standout performance to the work he put in over the off-season break.

“I had a real focus on not being injury prone like I was last year, and to come back in really good nick,” Spangher, the 23-year old tall utility, told SwansTV this morning.

“I did a few more sessions and basically followed the program (over the off-season break). We had a pretty strict program and we made an agreement with the coaches to come back in good nick and I’m definitely not the only one who has.”

Spangher, who was drafted to the Swans at the end of last year after being delisted by the West Coast Eagles, also reaffirmed his enjoyment of plying his trade for the Swans in the Harbour city.

“I really like the lifestyle - it brings a local footy feel to a professional aspect, and I love that,” Spangher said.

“It’s comfortable and I have always said how welcoming the club is. I have loved the bigger city, and loved the change of atmosphere.”

Spangher also made mention of new young gun Tom Mitchell who attended his first official training session as a Swan today after arriving in Sydney last night.

The Swans have committed their first round draft pick, number 21, to selecting Tom in next week’s national draft after the club secured him in the AFL's father-son bidding meeting during AFL Trade Week.

“Tommy trained with us a few times last year, but having watched him play in the under 18s, he seems a pretty exciting prospect,” he said.

“I think we are all looking forward to seeing his progress especially over the summer.”

The 4-7 year players will return tomorrow morning for an upper body weights circuit and fitness screening, while the 1-3 year players will complete skills and conditioning in the morning before a Friday afternoon weights session.