FOUR years after moving to Melbourne from Perth, Carlton livewire Jeff Garlett is comfortable with life off the field, but he never wants to feel that same comfort on it.

Garlett became a father for the first time in January when his girlfriend Jessica gave birth to a son, Nason, and he couldn't be happier in his family life.

A stellar 2011 season saw him sign a new contract that gave him financial security, but when it comes to his footy, Garlett is determined to remain as hungry and on edge as he was when he arrived at the club as a speculative rookie pick in 2009.   

"I don't ever want to get comfortable and allow myself to drop off," Garlett says.

"I've got to be consistent to keep my spot in the team.

"I've never thought of myself [as a first team regular] because our team is pretty strong and we have good depth, so everyone is always fighting for a position. I've got to keep doing the right things to keep my spot."

Garlett admits to an up and down start to the season, but he has a clear vision of the path to the consistency he craves.

"I want to chase and tackle and keep the ball inside the forward 50, just like every other forward, but if I work with that mindset then goals will come with that," he says.

"That helps keep up the pressure, but it also helps get me into the game as well.

"I've got to play consistently in every game, so it's just about trying to get the balance right for me. I just want to stay focused, be consistent and get everything I can right."

Garlett's constant battle to maintain consistency isn't the only fight he faces over the next few years; his girlfriend is the sister of Essendon's Nathan Lovett-Murray and she remains a Bomber at heart.

"I tried to get her over [to the Blues], but it didn't work - as long as I get my son on board it's all good," Garlett says.

"I'm sure he'll be a Carlton supporter.

"When I first came over here I had nothing apart from footy and didn't hardly know anyone, but I met my girlfriend and we've got a kid together which is the best thing that's happened to both of us.

"Every time I come home after training I can see him and play with him even though he's only small. Just to see him smile at me makes me happy."