LIVEWIRE forward Jeff Garlett says joining Melbourne was exactly what he needed to reignite his career.

Garlett, who booted 40 goals and played every game in 2015, proved to be a fine acquisition for the club, after he joined Melbourne in October last year. The former Blue said he “really enjoyed” his first year at the club.

“All of the boys have been great towards me and to back it up and play the good footy that I can … I’m happy with the way it panned out,” he told Dee TV.

Garlett said joining Melbourne was very similar to when he was originally drafted by Carlton. 

“It’s always tough at the start because you don’t really know many people and I was lucky enough to know Nev [Jetta] and to have that bond with him and to get to know the other players at the other time – I just kept building to become closer,” he said.

“It’s always a struggle coming from a different club and it’s just like being drafted.

“Like being a first year player, you want to make sure you’re doing the right thing and not muck up.”

Garlett acknowledged it was a fresh start at Melbourne after some difficult times on and off the field at Carlton.

“People know who you are, and they don’t know what they’re going to get from you, or what you’re going to do,” he said.

“I was lucky enough to have a good pre-season and lucky enough to play every game and have a good year.

“It made it easier to get the respect from them and to show them what I could do on the field and off the field, which has been pretty good.”

Overall, Garlett said the move had been positive personally and professionally.

“It definitely has been a good move for me – and I’m happy on and off the field – and everything’s gone perfect for me, so I couldn’t have asked for anymore,” he said.

“Melbourne has been awesome [for me] since day one and I couldn’t thank them enough.”