Leeton-Whitton to play no trials before start of season after postponing clash with Marrar

After a couple of potential rivals pulled out of earlier practice matches, the Crows opted to cancel this weekend's clash with Marrar with a number of key players unavailable.

Last year's AFL Riverina Championship grand finalists held their first intra-club trial on Friday with about 40 players in attendance.

"They didn't have any (trials) last year. It's good for me to see guys play more than anything, so I know what I'm dealing with," Darley said.

"I'm not too concerned at all, the only problem is not knowing any of the opposition we're coming up against."

The Crows are also hopeful seasoned campaigners Bryce O'Garey and Brad Boots may return to the fold after making appearances at training recently.

O'Garey was named best on ground in the Crows' 2017 grand final win and declared his intent to retire to focus on family after skippering the team to last year's decider.

"At least he (O'Garey) is coming to training and it's a chance, we'll keep our fingers crossed," Darley said.

"I came up against Bryce when I was a young fella in Tassie. He could give us a chop out and I'll play mid. He probably doesn't have to carry as much load, which hopefully is something that appeals to him."

Darley survived a scare when scans on an ankle he rolled over during the contest came back clear of a break, and he will be fit to take his place in round one.

"It was just a little sprain, I thought when I went over on it that it was going to be a lot worse," he said.

"There was no break so I'll be right to go. I'll wait for the swelling and bruising to subside and then I'll be right.

"I can still go to the gym and get miles in the legs, with a few weeks to go it won't affect us too much."

Darley is looking for the team to be more deliberate with their ball use and was happy with what he saw in Friday's intraclub clash, especially given Tyrone Rainbird, defensive recruit Alex Daly and skipper Tom Meline weren't available.

"The most pleasing thing was they showed composure with the footy," Darling said.

"We want to use the ball well, and the people in the stands even said it was noticeable from what they've seen in previous years their ability to think through a situation (was better)."

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