Former Melbourne Storm captain Robbie Kearns addressed the Demons after their 54-point loss to West Coast in round six.
Garland said Kearns helped point out some key areas Melbourne had to work on.
"He spoke about the culture Melbourne Storm have and how tackling is their major focus. They have 300 tackles in a game and we may have 80," Garland said on Monday morning.
"We spoke about how after a game you've got to be able to look your teammate in the eye. That was our whole focus because the week before we couldn't really look each other in the eye."
Garland said one of the advantages to the club having a base in Melbourne's sporting precinct was its close proximity to teams from rival codes.
"You come to AAMI Park and you know you're in a professional environment the whole time. You've got the Victory (soccer), the Storm (rugby league) and the Rebels (rugby union) training here," he said.
"The Victory and the Storm are two very successful sides in their competition and you can bounce ideas off each other. In the gym we work side by side with the Storm guys and you see what they're pushing in the gym. You can get stuff off them so it's definitely an advantage."
But Garland made sure he didn't underestimate the input from senior coach Dean Bailey who was heavily scrutinised following the loss to the Eagles.
"Dean can't play the game for us and I guess as a playing group we were really stung that Dean was copping a bit of criticism. You don't go out and play for one particular person, I guess we're all in it together but you definitely want to play well for Dean because he has been so supportive," he said.
"We know the game-plan was under criticism but we knew that if we came with the right mental attitude we could win the game."
Melbourne needs to carry its renewed focus and aggression into this week's clash with North Melbourne if it is to snap an eight-game losing streak against the Kangaroos.
The Demons have not defeated North Melbourne since round 20, 2006 and Garland said the side had to show it could play consistent football over consecutive weeks.
"We haven't beaten North since I've been at the club. I think 2006 was the last time we beat them. They are a team that is pretty similar to us - a young team on the rise," he said.
"And we know it is going to be a hard game. It always is when we're up against North because they give their all."
Luke Holmesby covers Melbourne news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_LHolmesby
