Garland, originally from Wynard, and his colleague from Dodges Ferry were key players as the Demons restricted Richmond to just 6.15 in the club’s return to the Friday night football stage.

Garland, who spent time on Tigers skipper Trent Cotchin when he pushed forward, was elite in the wet conditions, with a disposal efficiency rate of 87 per cent from his 15 touches, nine tackles and six rebound 50s.

Forward-turned-defender Howe shrugged the forward tag from Shaun Grigg to collect 18 possessions and four rebound 50s at 89 per cent disposal efficiency.

Howe, whose high-flying ways have again been noticeable this season, is equal 11th in total rebound 50s (18) and 18th in rebound 50s per game (4.5).

The 24-year-old has indicated his desire to stay at the Demons after much speculation.

Teammate Tom McDonald was another instrumental figure, shutting down Clarence’s Jack Riewoldt, who could only manage 0.4 from 17 possessions.

It was an All-Tasmanian contest at Simonds Stadium on Sunday, with Devonport’s Ben Brown having Launceston’s Jackson Thurlow as an opponent in North Melbourne’s win over Geelong.

Brown took the points, kicking two important goals in the second half and finishing with six score involvements from 13 touches and six marks.

Thurlow ended with 11 touches, five marks, three rebound 50s and three score involvements.

Launceston ruckman Thomas Bellchambers had his colours slightly lowered by Brodie Grundy on Saturday in Essendon’s loss to Collingwood at the MCG.

Bellchambers finished with 15 possessions, four tackles, four score involvements and 24 hit-outs (four to advantage) and gave away four free-kicks, while Grundy had 17 touches, 26 hit-outs (11 to advantage) and three score involvements.

In Carlton’s win over St Kilda in Wellington, West Moonah’s Liam Jones managed just 1.3 and six score involvements from nine touches and five marks on Sean Dempster.

Launceston’s Kade Kolodjashnij tried hard in Gold Coast’s big loss to Greater Western Sydney in Canberra, collecting 21 possessions at 76 per cent disposal efficiency (with five inside 50s) from half-back and wing.

Hobart’s Aaron Hall was again ineffective for the Suns, finishing with 15 touches and no scoreboard impact spending time all over the ground.

Devonport’s Grant Birchall finished with 18 touches at 88.9 per cent disposal efficiency with three inside 50s and three rebound 50s with Matt White as an opponent in Hawthorn’s loss to Port Adelaide.

Mitch Robinson, of Lauderdale, finished with 11 possessions at just 45.4 per cent disposal efficiency in Brisbane’s loss to West Coast, however, with 10 tackles he was still able to make his presence felt.

Clarence’s Josh Green was the Lions’ sub, and the small-forward kicked 2.0 after coming on in the third term.