20. Colin Garland [191cm 84kg 24.04.88 – 19 games (17 in 2008) 2 goals] - was easily the club's most improved player in 2008. He was given some of the toughest jobs as a defender in AFL football 2008 and showed with his class and his pace that he was up to the task. He relished the role of manning Lance 'Buddy' Franklin and kept him to just 3 goals 1 behind in Round 9.

Garland wasn't confined purely to defensive roles and showed also that there is an attacking side to his game as well. In time, he could be used up forward or even in the midfield.

20. Colin Garland [191cm 84kg 24.04.88 – 19 games (17 in 2008) 2 goals] - was easily the club's most improved player in 2008. He was given some of the toughest jobs as a defender in AFL football 2008 and showed with his class and his pace that he was up to the task. He relished the role of manning Lance 'Buddy' Franklin and kept him to just 3 goals 1 behind in Round 9.

Garland wasn't confined purely to defensive roles and showed also that there is an attacking side to his game as well. In time, he could be used up forward or even in the midfield.

Our true success story of 2008!

Our true success story of 2008!

I spoke to a couple of the Hawthorn brains trust at the end of the H&A season. They said that Col's performance on Buddy was the best of any defender's all year.

The next Darren Glass (if he stays in defence).

I spoke to a couple of the Hawthorn brains trust at the end of the H&A season. They said that Col's performance on Buddy was the best of any defender's all year.

The next Darren Glass (if he stays in defence).

I agree, I thought Buddy's worst game for the year was against us (that was before the final last Saturday), and that was mainly due to Garland.

As for the Glass analogy, I would disagree. Glass is a different kind of player, less mobile, and stays very close to goal. Garland has the ability to push up the ground more, is much more mobile and athletic.

very impressed with garland. i suggested he be the man to take buddy during that week and obviously someone at the club agreed. he has pace and mobility, he has a great spoil on him, he has a fantastic competitive drive. he isnt as weak as he looks, and i think will improve in this department over the coming years.

lets hope he keeps out of the injury clouds which has befallen so many promising melbourne players.

Colin Garland ??

He's a keeper !!

enuff said

Colin Garland ??

He's a keeper !!

enuff said

agreed keep Judy

One of the big +ve's from a dismal year. Good judgement, not overawed, quick off the mark, excellent handball out of congestion, worth another year as a pivot in defence before considering other roles.

After round 2 the doubts on Col were enormous, he looked like a rabbit in headlights. I think moving him down back was a fantastic move from Bailey. It meant he could just react and play rather than having to create. Now he knows he belongs he'd probably do a lot better up forward but I'd rather see him left down back. He reminds me a lot of Matty Scarlett. He is always right on the forwards hammer on the lead, seems stronger than he looks (and this will only improve), is agile, quick and is able to hurt the opposition going the other way. I rate Scarlett as the best fullback I've seen and think Col could be as good, a long long way to go but he has all the attributes. I think an at least decent backline is a prerequisite in any serious tilt at a premiership. A cracking midfield can cover an ordinary forward line but not a shabby defence. Garland, Martin, Rivers(knock on wood), and to a lesser extent Warnock have me optimistic about the shape of our backline for the first time since the 80's. They're not there yet but at least there's finally a glimmer of hope down there.

Never judge a player by their first 4 matches

Garland= Jared Rivers + Pace - Injuries*

*everyone knock on wood, throw salt over your shoulder and spit on a black cat immediately

Very happy with Garland's progress this season.

Could he play like Richo did this season, up on a wing drifting forward to kick goals and when needed drifting back to plug a hole?

Never judge a player by their first 4 matches

Never judged him or critisised him in a public forum Jaded, unlike some. But privately I must admit I had my doubts about the boy, think plenty would have.