Chris O'Donnell's Shea-Pearce Medal win a reward for effort says Marrar coach Shane Lenon

And it's helping him take his game to a new level.

The midfielder has had an outstanding start to the season and a big say in the Bombers' flying start to the year.

He hopes that can continue as they aim up for another big game this Saturday at North Wagga.

"I think I've got a bit of a new lease on life. I've got a bit of a different role now and have got to step up a bit," O'Donnell said.

"I've been working hard in the off-season and it's nice to get a bit of reward, but the rewards don't come this early in the year so hopefully we can get something towards the end of the year.

"I'm really rapt in how the boys are playing and it's good to be a part of it."

O'Donnell was moved to be awarded the Shea-Pearce Medal for his efforts in the ANZAC Challenge as they overpowered The Rock-Yerong Creek.

And his efforts were applauded by coach Shane Lenon.

"He's playing good footy... he's back here working, he's training and he's been good every week including in our trial games," Lenon said.

O'Donnell travelled from Sydney to play in 2017 but was then interstate when the Bombers went back-to-back, before being a part of their 2019 campaign.

"He's like a new recruit. His footy's gone to another level and he's loving it," Lenon said.

"His attack on the footy and his tackling and pressure around the contest is outstanding."

O'Donnell was echoing the coach in talking about reward. That's the lens through which Lenon sees the team results so far after three big finishes.

"It's reward for effort, for the amount of work these blokes put in," he said. "You don't get fit sitting on your arse. You've got to turn up, train, and blokes do extras on nights off. And this group do put in the work."

Lenon said missed opportunities against the Magpies is something to work on as they aim up for another big game this weekend at McPherson Oval.

"There's not too many easy ones, it's a rippin' comp... and it'll be another big challenge next week," he said.

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