Marrar's first run in a preparation aimed at a third straight premiership was soured by a broken wrist to recruit Damian O'Donoghue on Monday night.
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The former Turvey Park footballer was injured in the first quarter of a four-goal loss to Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong at Gumly Oval.
"I was pretty happy with the hit out to be honest," Marrar coach Shane Lenon said. "Ganmain won the trial game by about 10 goals to six but we showed some good signs. It was a good, solid hit-out, we got some good match practice but they were just a bit too good for us.
"The only negative was young Damian O'Donoghue broke his wrist halfway through the first quarter. He's had a massive pre-season but he'll be out for six to eight weeks."
Zac Lewis also injured a shoulder but is expected to be right for their first game in mid April.
But big man Nick Cooper (Thurgoona) looked good in his first game, whether centre-half-forward, back or in the ruck. While the Moye brothers, Jackson and Brad, were handy through the middle and up forward and Toby Lawler and Jed Jenkins pleased the coach.
The Lions were well served by Matt Hamblin and Matt Olsson while Jethro Peck caught the eye up forward with a couple of goals and a handy performance.
Originally to be played last week, the game was shortened to 15-minute quarters because Marrar will have a second pre-season practice match this Saturday at Collingullie.
Lenon said both sides were missing a few players but it offered a genuine glimpse into how they'll shape up.
"We had a very young side. Probably two thirds of the side would've been 18 or under..But we will have a young side. That's how the make up of the team will be. And they'll all be better for the run," Lenon said.