Barlow was cheered on by most of his team-mates as he pushed himself to his limit in the last 100m and lunged across the line in a time 17 seconds faster than the previous record, which was set five years ago by David Spriggs.
Team-mates rushed to Barlow to offer congratulations on the best endurance running seen at the Swans.
Barlow beat his own personal best by 28 seconds in a time that impressed everyone at the club, including head conditioning coach Rob Spurrs.
However Spurrs wouldn't reveal Barlow's exact time, saying it's a policy he has because the course run by the players is on grass around Lakeside Oval, opposite the SCG, so times can’t be compared to track running.
The main point is that last week’s run was a confidence-booster for Barlow, who battled injury over the summer and only played one game during the pre-season series. "I just decided I'd go out really hard and try to push it, and it worked,'' said Barlow.
His main concern now is to make sure his fitness and speed helps him to become a more consistent player. Barlow, 23, played 14 games last year to take his career tally to 25, and is working hard to try to secure a spot in the team ahead of the season opener next Saturday night against St Kilda at ANZ Stadium.
The key will be to utilise that hard-running ability in games, and to play to his strengths.
Barlow led a pack of about 10 players home during the 3km time trial. Spurrs says all the players were either coming out of rehabilitation, or had limited game time or none at all, during the recent pre-season practice matches.
A number of other players also ran well, including rookie Nathan Gordon who finished second behind Barlow in a season best, Dan Hannebery, who was third home in a season best, and Patty Veszpremi, Henry Playfair and Lewis Johnston who ran personal bests.
The Sydney Swans clash with St Kilda this Saturday night under lights at ANZ Stadium. Our last two contests with the Saints have been decided by only one point, so this game is guaranteed to be a thriller! Grab your tickets now at www.ticketek.com.au
