I think it's fair to say that Garland's been one of the shining lights this season, with 17 games and a Rising Star nomination while playing in an inexperienced defensive unit.

I stumbled across this article, written pre-season, and found it interesting - he's exceeded the 10 games he was aiming for, but as a backman.

  Quote

Garland hoped to spend most of his time playing alongside them (Neitz and Robertson) in the forward line or on the wing.

"I'm pretty quick for my size, so I can play small. (I might be) on the half forward flank," he said.

"We've got a good forward line with Neita, Robbo and (Adem) Yze."

Garland said he had not set his goals for the year yet, but was aiming to play 10 games for the season.

- source

I'm not sure if Bailey's as surprised as some Demonlanders, though. "New coach Dean Bailey has recognised his preseason form enough to mention him as one of six players he had been impressed with."

Where should Garland end up playing? Are we going to have another Neitz decision in a couple of years?

Garland's '08 stats

I can't wait for Garland to get a chance in the forward line. I think Newton's position is up for grabs. There's also HF in Robbo's place.

Martin could continue to learn his trade down back in Garland's posi.

When Rivers returns from injury move Garland up forward.

By all means let him forward, but prudence suggests (and I always listen to her !! ) that we continue his development as a Back, we're a tad short on them currently

I'd be loathe to put him in the forward line in any more than a pinch hitting role given how good he has been as a key defender this year. Find a position that works and leave him there.

Is there any reason why this can't be our Premiership backline?

Frawley Martin Warnock

Rivers Garland Petterd

Dees06; even if Rivers can get himself right and play out a full season (and I'm not holding my breath) I'd be reluctant to move Garland forward. We havnt had a quality FB in ages (last three have been Nicho, Ferg and Carrol), and now, just when it looks like we might have finally found one, why move him? At this stage an ideal scenario for us would be Garland and a CHF (Martin?) consistently holding down the key positions, with Rivers zoning off to help them both out. That could turn into a potent backline in a few years, why rob ourselves of it?

Rogue, Im a bit young to remember Neitz at CHB (Im 22 so I was around, but couldnt make an informed judgement) but most people I talk to say the move was done out of necessity when Schwartz went down and that while he obviously adapted well, Neitz was a natural CHB and the common consensus seems to be that he would have been a better defender than he was a forward, but we had no other options. Some people might say we have no key forward options now either, but since we're in a complete rebuilding phase I think we can afford to draft and develop one rather than throwing Garland up there as a quick fix.

I'm all for experimenting with it occasionally, and if everything just clicks (eg if it turns out he's a better forward than a backman, and someone like Frawley really improves and takes FB) then great, I just dont want to see us robbing Peter to pay Paul.

yeh cool and then lets put stefan martin up forward because of his big frame and then listen to everyone complain about us having no backline. keep garland down there. No chance he will be moved either.

  Chook said:

Is there any reason why this can't be our Premiership backline?

Frawley Martin Warnock

Rivers Garland Petterd

Would struggle against a smaller forward set-up, particularly one with 2 super quick crumbing players

  Chook said:

Is there any reason why this can't be our Premiership backline?

Frawley Martin Warnock

Rivers Garland Petterd

No reason....

I like this back six for next season anyway fwiw: -

Whelan Martin Warnock

Buckley Rivers Wheatley

And I would like to see Garland experimented up forward.

  Eastie Boyz said:

Would struggle against a smaller forward set-up, particularly one with 2 super quick crumbing players

Obviously Matthew Whelan is in that mix for at least next year, but perhaps that may be a weakness in years to come.

  Nasher said:

I'd be loathe to put him in the forward line in any more than a pinch hitting role given how good he has been as a key defender this year. Find a position that works and leave him there.

Correct. He has shown he has what it takes to be a great defender. He reads the play well, has good speed, doesnt give away many free kicks, and his rebound kicking skills are very good. Leave him down back to settle.

Playing him in the forward line would be worth a try.