Super return after missing most of 2009 with a foot injury. Can play on the big forwards but shows versatility in being able to take on smalls as well. He and Frawley look set to hold down the key defensive posts for the long-term future - Luke Holmesby melbournefc

Games MFC 2010 20 Total 40 Goals MFC 2010 1 Total 3

Super talent. The frawley/garland double will be the envy of the afl for a decade.

welcome back colin, gee you were missed in 2009

The fact he missed an entire year of football before coming straight back in, is remarkable.

Taking that into consideration, it makes his form in 2010 even better.

As Sean Wellman said during the year, he is the prototypical defender, can play on talls and smalls.

His rebounding out of defence is underrated.

In 2011 I expect him to take another step.

A great return against realistic expectations . Probably a lil underdone and will embrace the preseason before redtamping his self on the footballing world.

One of those whom I'm really looking forward to watching in 2011

A great return against realistic expectations . Probably a lil underdone and will embrace the preseason before redtamping his self on the footballing world.

One of those whom I'm really looking forward to watching in 2011

Terrific year considering he had a hiccup pre-season that looked to extend his time off. thought they almost rushed him back early from that but he played well all year. Started a bit slower but you couldn't ask for much more.

Would like him to take it to another level and play on some bigger talls, as he plays on a lot of smalls. if he can start being more key position, we will be looking strong.

Garland - Frawley - Grimes. a real strength down back.

I got my wish. There was a thread, earlier in the year, on the most important things for us to achieve in 2010. I put getting 20 or so games into Colin Garland.

Being in the rehab group for most of the summer, I didn't expect him to perform well consistently. But he was terrific this year. A real gem.

I got my wish. There was a thread, earlier in the year, on the most important things for us to achieve in 2010. I put getting 20 or so games into Colin Garland.

Being in the rehab group for most of the summer, I didn't expect him to perform well consistently. But he was terrific this year. A real gem.

Good call- actually excellent call- a HUGE pre season will bring him really on. Wouldn't be surprised if they play him in different roles next year. Maybe a wing or even ruck rover.

We are unbelievably lucky to have Frawley and Garland as two Key defenders for the next 10 years.

We can build our defence around those 2, because they are both good rebounders, and they both can play on any type of player.

Our defence will always be a strength with these 2 boys.

After missing a full season, it is always difficult the following season. Expect Garland to only get better and better next season.

Good call- actually excellent call- a HUGE pre season will bring him really on. Wouldn't be surprised if they play him in different roles next year. Maybe a wing or even ruck rover.

I like the idea of him playing on a wing and I remember the game he played against M.Richardson a few years ago playing around the wing/high up the ground and having a great game. Dont really understand how he would play ruck rover though??

I like the idea of him playing on a wing and I remember the game he played against M.Richardson a few years ago playing around the wing/high up the ground and having a great game. Dont really understand how he would play ruck rover though??

I don't either. Maybe you could elaborate JCB?

<3 Col, really solid year, had some really good games, a couple of poor ones but was very happy in what I saw from him. Should be really hitting his straps next year with a full uninterrupted preseason (although this is probably true with almost everyone)

Most memorable moment I had of Garland this year was when we took on the Lions up at the Gabba and Col had the big Fevalenko to look after.

Garland was spoiling everything to the point where Fev got absolutely frustrated because he couldn't get into the game - he decided to brawl and literally bury Col's head into the turf!! Garland ended up in the faetal position quite sore but got up and on with the job and Fev got injured so Garland simply waltzed over to his next opponent and played the game out strongly.

He's a ripper, young Col Garland.

I like the idea of him playing on a wing and I remember the game he played against M.Richardson a few years ago playing around the wing/high up the ground and having a great game. Dont really understand how he would play ruck rover though??

Well- I'll explain my thoughts- as a good ruck rover like Goodes, Ling etc..they have stamina,great defensive skills and a great motor-especially for the first,say 5 metres.. I think Garland can negate extremely well with great defensive skills similar to how Cam Bruce has played over the years.Actually thinking about it,he may make a great substitute for Bruce later on.Could play him in multiple positions. Needs to develop his motor & stamina to enable this to occur.Then he would have developed great flexible skills.

Well- I'll explain my thoughts- as a good ruck rover like Goodes, Ling etc..they have stamina,great defensive skills and a great motor-especially for the first,say 5 metres.. I think Garland can negate extremely well with great defensive skills similar to how Cam Bruce has played over the years.Actually thinking about it,he may make a great substitute for Bruce later on.Could play him in multiple positions. Needs to develop his motor & stamina to enable this to occur.Then he would have developed great flexible skills.

Fair enough. I like him as a defender though. I'm sure the FD do too.

Well- I'll explain my thoughts- as a good ruck rover like Goodes, Ling etc..they have stamina,great defensive skills and a great motor-especially for the first,say 5 metres.. I think Garland can negate extremely well with great defensive skills similar to how Cam Bruce has played over the years.Actually thinking about it,he may make a great substitute for Bruce later on.Could play him in multiple positions. Needs to develop his motor & stamina to enable this to occur.Then he would have developed great flexible skills.

Not a bad thought but don't really seem him in the Goodes type mould. Not really the sort of player who will bust packs open with strength and pace and kick lots of goals on the run from 50. Do see him being a similair type player to Bruce though (with better foot skill!!!)

Realistically I think we underestimate how good his year was considering over a year off and a foot injury as well.

We can expect a better year, and my gut feel is he just concentrated more on just doing his job, whereas in 2008 when he got confidence he was sometimes flying for everything and beating blokes like Buddy.

I expect he will improve again with more continuity in his game. he could be something special this kid, and is tracking that way.

Well done Colin returning from major injury. The Newspaper article mid year was an insight into your determination to succeed.

Needs to work on his disposal coming out of the backline, the role he plays means accurate disposal is a must.

Big Preseason will help this aspect i am sure.

Go for it Judy. B)

Strong season by Col. after a frustrating year injured on the sidelines. Was back close to his best by the end of the season, and will benefit from his (roughly) 20 odd games this year, and a full pre-season leading into 2011. I love his one-percenters.

Good call- actually excellent call- a HUGE pre season will bring him really on. Wouldn't be surprised if they play him in different roles next year. Maybe a wing or even ruck rover.

How about as a forward??? He came 2 the club as a forward. You'd like he'd have new insights on how 2 expolit the role since he's also played as a defender.

Well i'm going to be critical of Garland. I thought at times he looked slow. If he's to continue on bigger forwards he will have to play on the bigger slower ones. Unless of course it was his pre-season injuries to blame or something else...

Don't get me wrong, i think he can play. But if your not quick enough to keep up with your opponent, then your going to struggle as a back man. The way to beat Garland and Rivers is to lead hard and fast.

Like becks... I used to be a MASSIVE flogger of Garland. Not so much anymore.

At times he looks lazy (must be his eyes!!) and a bit all over the shop but by golly his spoiling and the way he ALWAYS gives 110% in going for the pill more than makes up for it!!

He's slowly coming of age and finding his feet in gelling with the back 6 in forming the Dees gameplan.

Looking forward to seeing him improve next year.

Well i'm going to be critical of Garland. I thought at times he looked slow. If he's to continue on bigger forwards he will have to play on the bigger slower ones. Unless of course it was his pre-season injuries to blame or something else...

Don't get me wrong, i think he can play. But if your not quick enough to keep up with your opponent, then your going to struggle as a back man. The way to beat Garland and Rivers is to lead hard and fast.

I think the only game you watched this year is Melbourne v West Coast.

Garland isn't slow.

His biggest problem is when he plays on smalls who are elusive and dangerously agile he can be grabby and give away holding the mans. He doesn't have that great ability to know exactly where a man is like Bartram and Frawley seem to.

I agree on Rivers though, he lacks a yard and can be unaccountable at times, but really we want him to play the Maxwell role so its ok.

Rivers is a very average kick, so the 'Maxwell' role is not right for him.

The above criticisms of Garland are fairly embarrassing for those that made them.

Rivers has a better kick than Maxwell, and that's saying something.

What with people flogging Garland for his lack of pace? He'd be one of the quickest in the side.