Colin Garland (No.20)
Career
Debut: 2007
Career matches: 58
Career goals: 4
 
2011
Matches: 18
Goals: 1
Kicks: 167
Marks: 74
Handballs: 100
Disposals: 267
Tackles: 42

Todd Viney’s season assessment
Colin had a really good year. He stepped up as a leader in the backline and in the team. He became a powerful player and I think he’s only starting to learn how much power he has got. If he embraces that power, he will become a dynamo down back.

Round-by-round assessment
Comments made by 2011 Melbourne coaching staff members Mark Williams, Brad Gotch and Kelly O’Donnell

AFL: Round 1 v Sydney Swans
Col was outstanding on Adam Goodes, a superstar of the game. Col worked his way into the match and was forced into a lot of one-on-one contests with Goodes. He kept Goodes reasonably quiet, when he threatened several times. Mark Williams

AFL: Round 2 v Hawthorn
Col produced some really good defensive acts. He had his hands full with ‘Buddy’ Franklin. But he held his head high. He played on Adam Goodes and Franklin in his first two matches of the season and did well. Mark Williams

AFL: Round 3 v Brisbane Lions
Col was good again. He had six handball receives and was important when we needed him most. Col produced some timely spoils and was good in the contest. Mark Williams

AFL: Round 4 v Gold Coast Suns  
Col had just a fair game. He didn’t attack the ball like he normally did and second guessed himself at times. He wasn’t physical enough and didn’t play in front. Mark Williams

AFL: Round 5 - Bye

AFL: Round 6 v West Coast Eagles
Col was probably our best player against West Coast. He played in front and provided some great rebound off half-back. Mark Williams
 
AFL: Round 7 v Adelaide Crows  
Col played in front, attacked the ball in the air and won some important ball at ground level. He spoiled with aggression, rebounded aggressively and used the ball well. Mark Williams

AFL: Round 8 v North Melbourne
Garlo was injured early but battled on. His early form in the game was solid, as was his ability to spoil and win the ball at ground level. When he went down, he left a big hole in our backline. Mark Williams
 
AFL: Round 9 v St Kilda
Injured: ankle

AFL: Round 10 v Carlton  
Injured: ankle

AFL: Round 11 v Essendon
Injured: ankle

VFL: Round 11 v Collingwood
Col was just OK - better for the run. It was his first hit out for a while and he looked a bit rusty, but he got through, which was a good thing. Brad Gotch

AFL: Round 13 v Fremantle
Colin played a very solid game after a reasonable lay-off with injury. He spoiled aggressively and provided good rebound off half-back. He used the ball intelligently and directed play into the corridor, which was pleasing. Mark Williams
 
AFL: Round 14 v Richmond
Col was the general of the backline. He organised our defensive match-ups and set-ups. Col won some really good one-on-one contests, and continued to set up quick counter attack off half-back. Mark Williams
 
AFL: Round 15 v Western Bulldogs
In his 50th game, Col’s direction and positioning was good. He competed well in the air having 10 spoils, but coughed the ball up a couple of times under pressure. Col really involved himself in our counter attack off half-back, which he must continue. Mark Williams

AFL: Round 16 - Bye  
 
AFL: Round 17 v Port Adelaide
Col got caught behind in the early stages of the game. Once he adjusted, his positioning was much more effective. He pressed up and his spoiling was a highlight. This helped to build his confidence, and his ball use was fantastic, with 93 per cent effectiveness. Mark Williams
 
AFL: Round 18 v Hawthorn
Col had a big job on Cyril Rioli and did some really good things. He provided some good rebound off half-back and took some strong marks under pressure. He must continue to work on his leadership and direction out on the ground. Mark Williams

AFL: Round 19 v Geelong Cats
Col battled hard and defended gamely throughout the match. Mark Williams  
 
AFL: Round 20 v Carlton
Col defended gallantly and took some really good intercept marks, which turned the ball over several times in the midfield. He switched the play pretty well, and overall was solid.Mark Williams

AFL: Round 21 v West Coast Eagles
Col was inconsistent defensively, but won some good one on ones. Offensively, he started well with a couple of rebounds but needed to be more composed and back himself when under pressure.Mark Williams

AFL: Round 22 v Richmond
Garlo had a very effective game. He dropped off defensively very well taking several intercept marks. He started many scoring opportunities with his run and carry and use of the ball off half-back.  Mark Williams
 
AFL: Round 23 v Gold Coast Suns
Col’s defensive game was solid. He had quite a few opponents and won some excellent one-on-one contests. Offensively, he was very good. He had nine scoring involvements and took the game on aggressively with tremendous run and carry.Mark Williams
 
AFL: Round 24 v Port Adelaide  
Allowed Brett Ebert to kick some early goals on him, but Garlo shut him down as the game progressed. Col had a big influence on the game offensively, with his switch and aggressive run off half-back. He finished the season on a high.Mark Williams