Karmichael Hunt was far from the worst at his first official Gold Coast AFL training session, but still needs to sharpen his skills and shed several kilograms to justify his price tag by the start of the 2011 season.

Hunt joined his new Coast teammates for the first time on the training track on Wednesday, taking part in 50 minutes of an hour-long session on the grounds adjacent to Carrara Stadium.

He was afforded an early finish due to completing a 2km time-trial before training.

Hunt kicked only with his preferred right foot and his handballing style was acceptable although not always accurate, once shooting a handpass at coach Guy McKenna that sailed a metre overhead.

"It's good, I had fun out there but I am a little bit worse for wear," said Hunt, who weighs in at 93kg.

"I was out of bed early to do a 2km time trial.

"I was a bit tired after the running and I got along with the drill fine and I'm only going to get better."

Hunt will travel with Gold Coast to Melbourne for their VFL match on Saturday but will only be a spectator.

The former Broncos NRL star, who has returned home from a stint in French rugby union, will make his VFL debut the following week against Coburg at Craigieburn and line up in attack wearing No.40.

McKenna said he was pleased with Hunt's form on the training track considering his time trial.

"The reason he is not doing the whole session is because he did the 2km," McKenna said.

"I got the news he ran a 7 minutes 29 seconds which is a great result for a bloke who has had the great journey he has had."

McKenna reasoned it would be better for Hunt's transition from NRL to AFL to start in attack where he would have some freedom and dictate play rather than be reactive.

"He just wants be able to attack the ball, so if I put him behind the ball he has to go and play on someone and it gives himself something else to think about," the coach said.

"Initially, I think that's best thing, as we don't want to fill his mind up with defence, offence, midfield, so we keep it nice and simple and I would think that (attack) would be the best position for him."

Given the media attention afforded Hunt so far and criticism at his reported $3 million three-year deal from Brisbane coach Michael Voss and Brendan Fevola, the former Test fullback denied he was part of a sideshow.

"Looks like that (a sideshow) from the outside but I'm out there focusing on the drills and doing what I can to make my transition successful," the 23-year-old said.

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