Although North Ballarat wasted the ball in the second half, squandered a four goal half-time lead and lost by a point to Collingwood, Garlett was a shining light with a remarkable 37 possessions and two goals.
Kangaroos' coach Brad Scott once described him as being 'one of the best one-touch midfielders' in the AFL, and Garlett lived up to that reputation.
There were other promising signs for North Melbourne supporters with live-wire Matty Campbell returning to his zippy best to collect 18 touches. Returning from a hamstring injury only last week, Campbell's pace and energy have been sorely missed by the Kangaroos in the opening few rounds of the season.
Cam Richardson was back in familiar territory alongside his old VFL team-mates and managed a respectable 25 disposals and 10 marks while Aaron Edwards led well for two goals, eight marks and 13 possessions.
The brothers Delaney were solid again with Luke also playing well as second ruck, and Brayden Norris' 16 touches, 6 marks and a goal were valuable on the day.
Aaron Mullett was good with 15 disposals coming back from injury and also on the road to recovery is Aaron Black who played his second VFL seniors match and had seven possessions and a goal.
Collingwood 2.2, 3.3, 6.7, 11.10 (76)
North Ballarat 3.4, 7.5, 10.7, 11.9 (75)
Collingwood
Goal Kickers: B. Eddy 3, A. Fasolo 2, J. Ceglar 2, K. Ugle , J. Perham , K. Post , D. Farmer
Best Players: T. Sundberg, L. Keeffe, K. Pendlebury, S. Reed, L. Rounds, S. McNamara
North Ballarat
Goal Kickers: A. Edwards 2, C. Garlett 2, A. Black , M. Darmody , B. Norris , D. Micallef , R. McKenzie , L. George , J. Linke
Best Players: C. Garlett, M. Darmody, R. McKenzie, M. Sewell, O. Stephenson, C. Richardson
