Swans midfielder Dan Hannebery took out this morning’s three-kilometre time trial ahead of defender Alex Johnson and rookie Dane Rampe.

The squad battled tough conditions at Lakeside Oval this morning, with the group facing swirly winds and light rain throughout the run.

Hannebery led the run from start to finish claiming the best time of the day over Johnson, Rampe, Ryan O’Keefe and Jarrad McVeigh, who rounded out the top five.

Speaking to sydneyswans.com.au after today’s session, Hannebery said while the result wasn’t his best time, he was pleased with his performance on the track.

“It was good. A lot of guys weren’t sure about how they were going to go because we’ve been doing more skill-based training more than running,” he said.

“I think all of the guys ran reasonably well, especially with the tough conditions and the heavy wind, so the boys were happy to get that done.

“It wasn’t a PB for me but the way I ran, the way I felt condition-wise, I was really happy with the result and I think everyone is just happy it’s over now.”

Following an outstanding season in 2012, including a stellar finals campaign, Hannebery said he hoped to continue his improvement in 2013.

The 21-year-old said fitness and decision making were key focuses for him this pre-season.

“I’m keeping on working on the things that I worked on last year, which is making sure I’m fit and able to run out games – I’ll tick that one off first and foremost,” he said.

“I’ll also be working on my decision making and kicking and what I’m doing with and without the ball.

“I’ll just keep hammering away at the same stuff and keep on working with the midfield coaches in (Stuart) Dewy and Leigh Tudor and just go from there.”

The Swans pre-season program has moved into match-practice mode, with the group focusing more on skills and game play.

Hannebery said the change in program meant longer sessions and an enhanced focus on developing the team’s game plan.

“It’s a different sort of training now, but it’s just as hard as the pure running,” he said.

“It’s a bit longer which means you have to concentrate harder, but the boys are really fit and are looking forward to getting stuck into games.

“We’re starting to get into more match simulation and drills, and even some of the running we did last week was match-based running.

“It’s a good thing because it means you’re closer to playing games and you’re feeling fit and are able to back these types of sessions up.”

Hannebery noted a marked improvement in a number of his team mates since their return to pre-season training, in particular Jed Lamb and newly elevated rookie Harry Cunningham.

“I think (Jed) Lamby came back in good knick, but I think skills-wise, I’ve been really impressed with Harry Cunningham. He’s come back and is running really well but his skills are super,” he said.

“Someone like him has the raw ability to sprint and also run distance and he’s going to be a good player for us if he’s able to stay injury free and keep training the way he is.”

3km Top Ten: Dan Hannebery, Alex Johnson, Dane Rampe, Ryan O’Keefe, Jarrad McVeigh, Craig Bird, Shane Biggs, Tony Armstrong, Jude Bolton, Luke Parker.