MELBOURNE has started to take steps to win back the trust of its players, says consistent defender Colin Garland.
Set to play his 100th career game against Adelaide on Saturday, Garland said while it was impossible to change what had happened in the past, the Demons hierarchy had shown it was prepared to repair the damage that had been done.
"There probably was a time there where the club lost a little bit of trust, especially from the playing group," Garland told AFL.com.au.
"And that's what we're trying to really build back up at the moment.
"That isn't easy to get back. But still, at the moment, the club's really winning back the respect of the playing group and as a leadership group we've got to really drive that."
Garland cited the way the club had handled the retirement of club champion Aaron Davey on Tuesday, as a marked difference to the way things had been done previously.
"I guess it is just being open with everyone. You sort of can't change the past now, but it is what it is," Garland said.
"That was something that Aaron said, that he just wanted to be shown respect, no matter what the decision was."
The club's newly appointed president Glen Bartlett addressed the players for the first time on Tuesday.
Garland said both Bartlett and CEO Peter Jackson have consistently preached to the players the importance of putting football at the forefront of their dealings.
"That's something I've noticed since Peter's been here. He's really put the emphasis on the playing group."
"We the players decide the direction of the club a la Geelong and Sydney. Those clubs, although they do have strong leadership, the players ultimately decide where the club's going both on-field and off-field."
From an individual standpoint, Garland says 2013 has been his best yet.
He said this week's milestone is something he will cherish.
"To play 100 games for any AFL club is a really good achievement and you'll probably look back on, once your career is done, and be happy with," he said.
"It's been a long journey for me and I've made some great friendships over the time. I'm really happy to bring up the hundred this week."
