Welcome to the Western Bulldogs Riley Garcia

[hujsh]

https://draftprospects.prod.afl/prospect/1006533

Taken with a trade of picks

Coverage has him as a small mid with pace and his character was talked up for the way he handled an injury.

[Eastdog]

Welcome to the Dogs Riley!

[divvydan]

Big surprise. We had pick 66, did we really think he couldn't make it 4 more picks, one of which was now passed. Small inside mid seems to not be a need, so we must really rate him highly to go for him at all, let alone give up a pick next year for him.

Edit: Another pass, only 2 live picks taken in between.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Jose Romero reborn.

[choconmientay]

Video of him talking about injuries

https://youtu.be/eEOjVJ-plkE

[Prince Imperial]

Big surprise. We had pick 66, did we really think he couldn't make it 4 more picks, one of which was now passed. Small inside mid seems to not be a need, so we must really rate him highly to go for him at all, let alone give up a pick next year for him.

Edit: Another pass, only 2 live picks taken in between.

I am completely flummoxed as to this trade with Hawthorn. Some gentleman's agreement after getting Duryea last year?

[bulldogtragic]

I am completely flummoxed as to this trade with Hawthorn. Some gentleman's agreement after getting Duryea last year?

The fourth rounder next year might be just 50 draft points. When the pick is taken up next year, we lose/paid 50 draft points to secure him. Not a big deal to me. We wanted him, we got him. Hopefully the kid gets over his injuries and we can see what the recruiters seem to know about him.

[Prince Imperial]

The fourth rounder next year might be just 50 draft points. When the pick is taken up next year, we lose/paid 50 draft points to secure him. Not a big deal to me. We wanted him, we got him. Hopefully the kid gets over his injuries and we can see what the recruiters seem to know about him.

Will be between 19 and 207 points depending on where we finish (hopefully 19).

[lemmon]

Video of him talking about injuries

https://youtu.be/eEOjVJ-plkE

Probably means he's unlikely to play much footy till the back end of 2020. We must really like him

[The Doctor]

Garcia, Libba & Cavarra, the new wog squad set to be unleashed in 2020.

[bornadog]

Garcia, Libba & Cavarra, the new wog squad set to be unleashed in 2020.

Add in Bont and they can be the 4 amigos

[Bulldog Revolution]

Looks quite a good prospect - ruptured his ACL in the last game of the championships so interesting to see whether we blood UK
In the vfl later in the year or just build him up physically

[bulldogtragic]

We can only assume Khamis is back to Cat B. The main difference he needs to be elevated to play at AFEL level.

My understanding is Khamis can be elevated while a primary listed player is formally placed on the Long Term Injury list. Assuming Garcia gets put on the LTI list now, then Khamis can fill his spot. If Garcia spends a year out, then Khamis is still effectively a Cat A rookie. If Gracia comes back with a month to go, Khamis can jump into another LTI spot summing we have any. Or as BR points out, we could take the entire season just to get Garcia absolutely cherry ripe, and in that case, Khamis is still eligible to play senior footy for all of 2020. A bit of having ones cake, and eating it too from our list manager.


(A more lateral move again, although unlikely: move Garcia to the LTI for the year and give him a token one year extension. Move La Young into that primary list spot for the year. Keep Khamis as a Cat B (if that's what he is) and elevate him when the LTI's that will inevitably arise throughout the year arise, so Khamis can be picked to play. The flow on effect will be to pass on the mid season draft if it's a just single pick as our LTIs are covered. Then use Pick 12 in the imminent Rookie Draft, which is infinitely better than a late mid season rookie draft pick.)

[The Adelaide Connection]

Where do they think he would have gone if not for the ACL? I did hear them say he probably only just missed AA. Could be one of the steals of the draft.

[comrade]

Where do they think he would have gone if not for the ACL? I did hear them say he probably only just missed AA. Could be one of the steals of the draft.

I've read he would have been in the mix around pick 30 but who really knows.

We must really rate his ability and character given he's going to be paid for 12 months of no footy. Our recruiter does seem to have a good eye for undersized players, if his history with Richmond is anything to go by.

[Hotdog60]

It's going to be interesting next year when it comes to delisting.

[bornadog]

It's going to be interesting next year when it comes to delisting.

There are a fair few under the pump:

Jong, Hayes, Cavarra, Porter, Gardner and Dickson may retire.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

There are a fair few under the pump:

Jong, Hayes, Cavarra, Porter, Gardner and Dickson may retire.

Yep - as good as any list is, there are always obvious candidates every year.

[Mofra]

Zippy

[Cyberdoggie]

Looks good, has good hands. Worth a punt. I guess.. ;)

[hujsh]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZHMe240h4M

Would like seeing some of this in the senior team. Maybe on a certain wing.

[bulldogtragic]

From that vid:

Hits really hard
Quick
Neat disposal
And that 100m sprint with four disposals was outstanding

Now we methodically go about his rehab getting on the field. Doing his ACL rehab with Dale Morris, no less.

MJP where are you? Thoughts on Riley?

[Bulldog4life]

https://afl.draftcentral.com.au/player/riley-garcia/

DRAFT ANALYSIS: "A tough and uncompromising midfielder, Garcia has footy smarts and knows how win the ball in close or on the outside."

RILEY Garcia comes into the 2019 draft as a fascinating case study. At his best, the 18-year-old Swan Districts midfielder is a prolific ball winner who is not afraid of mixing it up with those a lot bigger than him in the heat of a midfield battle. The youngster has a terrific blend to his game where he can play on the inside or outside which will surely excite recruiters.

While the overall package is an exciting one, the lingering doubt may come regarding his fitness. Garcia sustained a serious knee injury in the Under-18 national carnival just as he was building a highly impressive body of work for his draft year. The injury is likely to see the midfielder on the sidelines for a large part of the 2020 season. It is never timely to pick up such an injury, but even more so when you are on the cusp of your AFL dream. On the face of things, the reward far outweighs any risk on Garcia, but recruiters have many things that they have to tick off on, and rightly so as there is a lot at stake.

STRENGTHS

Accumulation
Clearance ability
Inside work
Quick thinker
Good skills
Strong character

IMPROVEMENTS

Match fitness post-injury
Size
Scoreboard impact

Garcia is one tough youngster, but being so lightly framed (176cm,70kg) he will unquestionably have to bulk up a fair bit to survive the big knocks of senior footy in the position he plays. The silver lining over his injury is that he can use the time in rehab to get his body into tip top shape. Garcia got a taste of senior action to start his 2019 season, playing three games and certainly not looking out of place. The midfielder averaged 12 disposals, two tackles and one mark in those fixtures with his standout game coming in round two against East Perth where he picked up 16 disposals and three inside 50s.

After that priceless piece of experience, Garcia returned to the Colts for a hit-out before getting himself prepared for the Under 18 carnival. In 2018, Garcia had worked his way up from being a train-on squad member to part of the main squad. But his experience was somewhat forgettable as he suffered a freak broken arm in his first during the second quarter of his first match against Vic Metro, therefore not allowing him to make a real impression.

The manner of that setback fed Garcia’s determination to have a big carnival in 2019 and he certainly did that. While the Black Swans had a fine carnival, Garcia’s best performance came in a loss against South Australia in wet conditions at Optus Stadium. He amassed 28 possessions (15 contested), eight clearances, six inside 50s and a goal. He also had 21 disposals, seven clearances, four inside 50s and four tackles against Vic Metro and another 20-plus disposal game against the Allies. With everything seemingly moving in a forward direction, to do his knee was a shattering blow for all concerned. Due to his injury, he was unable to participate in any activities in the AFL combine, but the fact that he was invited means that there is a considerable level of interest in him.

DRAFT RANGE Third round onwards

[Murphy'sLore]

Big ask to be stuck in rehab and a long way from home. Hope the club has the right supports in place for the young fellow.

[jazzadogs]

Is it a possibility that he is put on the long term injury list for the season (ala Sam Docherty and others) so that we can pick up a player in the Supplement player period?

[Axe Man]

Is it a possibility that he is put on the long term injury list for the season (ala Sam Docherty and others) so that we can pick up a player in the Supplement player period?

Looks like that is possible given Essendon have done exactly that:


The Bombers will also have another position after revealing that draftee Lachlan Johnson will be added to the inactive list after arriving with a long-term knee injury.

Dunn, Bennell, Brown ... Who else will get a SSP lifeline? (https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-11-29/dunn-bennell-brown-who-else-will-get-a-ssp-lifeline)

[comrade]

Hope we call him Jerry.

[bulldogtragic]

Is it a possibility that he is put on the long term injury list for the season (ala Sam Docherty and others) so that we can pick up a player in the Supplement player period?

Yes to the LTI. The question for Sam Power is to either (a) elevate an existing player in Buku Khamis from the Cat B to Cat A so he play AFL if his form is good in 2020, or (b) go after someone else in the SSP and thereby leaving Khamis unable to be selected as a Cat B until and unless there’s another LTI.

My guess is Khamis gets put into Cat A and he’s given some motovation and hope about working his arse off to earn his debut next season. They’ve re-invested in Roarke & Gardner, so they may want to show some faith in Khamis too. But it’s a guess on my part.

[azabob]

I really like this pick. Not sure why, his highlight real looks extremely impressive (I know they all do) but he looks to have the tools to make it.

[Happy Days]

I don't know anything about him but he looks like AC Slater.

[bornadog]

Riley played in the scratch match and pulled up well.

Some vision of him here (https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/video/787601/riley-garcia-it-was-exciting?videoId=787601&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1596351600001).

Moves quite well for a small bloke, and hopefully will get a chance to play early next year.

[Axe Man]

Moves quite well for a small bloke, and hopefully will get a chance to play early next year.

I imagine it would be quite difficult to be drafted if you are a small bloke that doesn't move well?

[bulldogtragic]

The fourth rounder next year might be just 50 draft points. When the pick is taken up next year, we lose/paid 50 draft points to secure him. Not a big deal to me. We wanted him, we got him. Hopefully the kid gets over his injuries and we can see what the recruiters seem to know about him.


Will be between 19 and 207 points depending on where we finish (hopefully 19).

Bingo! PI, we are giving up Pick 72, which is 19 points. (It might be less owing to COVID, but you can't hold that against us)

So we've given up 19 points we don't need this year to secure Garcia last year. I'm assuming the club is very happy with this.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Bingo! PI, we are giving up Pick 72, which is 19 points. (It might be less owing to COVID, but you can't hold that against us)

So we've given up 19 points we don't need this year to secure Garcia last year. I'm assuming the club is very happy with this.

That's great work considering the high praise Garcia has been getting internally and even on here.

[bulldogtragic]

The fourth rounder next year might be just 50 draft points. When the pick is taken up next year, we lose/paid 50 draft points to secure him. Not a big deal to me. We wanted him, we got him. Hopefully the kid gets over his injuries and we can see what the recruiters seem to know about him.


Will be between 19 and 207 points depending on where we finish (hopefully 19).


That's great work considering the high praise Garcia has been getting internally and even on here.

I just put up that Keath has cost us Picks 45 & 60.

Sam Power is on a high level of consciousness than everyone else. He just doesn't mess his lines.

[Axe Man]

I just put up that Keath has cost us Picks 45 & 60.

Sam Power is on a high level of consciousness than everyone else. He just doesn't mess his lines.

Any chance Sam can sort out the current China trade fiasco?

[ledge]

Any chance Sam can sort out the current China trade fiasco?

Do a trade for leaders ?

[The Underdog]

Any chance Sam can sort out the current China trade fiasco?

Is Xi Jinping, Dodoro in this scenario?

[WBFC4FFC]

Is Xi Jinping, Dodoro in this scenario?

I like to think of Sam Power as the Vladimir Putin, pulling the strings across the globe/AFL!

[Bulldog Joe]

Do a trade for leaders ?

I know Sam has been very good, but I'm not sure even he could find a real leader in the political landscape.

[Mofra]

What expectations do we set on Garcia?

TBH given his knee and the VFL comp being scrapped last year I hope we go easy on him. As long as he shows some good traits at VFL level (the way VDM got a few of us excited with his 2019 VFL form) I'd call that a real pass mark.

[GVGjr]

What expectations do we set on Garcia?

TBH given his knee and the VFL comp being scrapped last year I hope we go easy on him. As long as he shows some good traits at VFL level (the way VDM got a few of us excited with his 2019 VFL form) I'd call that a real pass mark.

He got to the Jordan Sweet emergency list at the end of the season which indicates he was making some progress.
I suspect he will be ready to play senior football early next year. 3 to 5 senior games would be my pass mark for him and we will potentially be a hard to team to get a senior game at

[The Adelaide Connection]

Wasn't he talked about as probable first round if not for the ACL? From memory he is a WA lad, so MJP will almost certainly know more.

[Twodogs]

Any chance Sam can sort out the current China trade fiasco?

He has far more important things to do.

[bornadog]

What expectations do we set on Garcia?

TBH given his knee and the VFL comp being scrapped last year I hope we go easy on him. As long as he shows some good traits at VFL level (the way VDM got a few of us excited with his 2019 VFL form) I'd call that a real pass mark.

I would be happy if he got to play a few games next year, probably in the second half to give him a taste. If he plays more, that means he is travelling well, or we have too many injuries.

[Go_Dogs]

I suppose the question is where do we think he can play? He’s going to be up against it to get minutes in the midfield or back half in 2021, and will be behind other young players like West, Weights, VDM etc who probably have eyes on forward line roles as their best opportunity to fit in.

[bulldogtragic]

Afel.com.au reporting we’ve started talks with Garcia to re-sign him.

[GVGjr]

Afel.com.au reporting we’ve started talks with Garcia to re-sign him.

He's definitely impressed the right people at the club. I'm just trying to find what his point of difference will be as a player for us.
Having talked him last year (along with Cody) his attitude is spot on and he is a likeable young man and seems to be a real student of the game.

[bornadog]

He's definitely impressed the right people at the club. I'm just trying to find what his point of difference will be as a player for us.
Having talked him last year (along with Cody) his attitude is spot on and he is a likeable young man and seems to be a real student of the game.

I think his point of difference is speed. Whether he plays midfield or becomes a specialist small forward, he has more speed than Dunks, Wallis, Libba, Bont, West. The club would be playing the longer game with him as a replacement in the future.

[GVGjr]

I think his point of difference is speed. Whether he plays midfield or becomes a specialist small forward, he has more speed than Dunks, Wallis, Libba, Bont, West. The club would be playing the longer game with him as a replacement in the future.

Thanks, yes they do appear to be into him for the long haul.
I've not quite seen the pace component in him though. I wouldn't have said he was an overly quick player but we do have slower types.

[Axe Man]

Last year was a write-off for Riley coming off an ACL and then having no real footy to play.

Definitely worth giving him another year or two to prove himself.

[GVGjr]

Last year was a write-off for Riley coming off an ACL and then having no real footy to play.

Definitely worth giving him another year or two to prove himself.

Spot on, we drafted a player knowing he had a LT injury that would restrict him. We are playing the long game with him.

[Mofra]

McNeill and Scott have come into the side as smaller quick role players and are important to the way we play. I love their tenacity but Garcia may well overtake them in a year or two, he plays with a similar style. Garcia has perhaps played more 'pure mid' than the other two but I'm happy to give him more time

[bornadog]

Making Debut in a big Game this Friday night.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBc29yPHolM&ab_channel=Michael

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Making Debut in a big Game this Friday night.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBc29yPHolM&ab_channel=Michael

I get the feeling he'll thrive in big occasions.

[Grantysghost]

Making Debut in a big Game this Friday night.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBc29yPHolM&ab_channel=Michael

Fair reception seems like a popular player amongst his peers.

[bornadog]

Fair reception seems like a popular player amongst his peers.

Did they call him Sunny?

[Scraggers]

Did they call him Sunny?

Sunny Garcia is a surfer

[Mofra]

How good will it be to see 38 running out on the field again?

I suspect he's straight in for Scott, similar role to he and McNeill (and VDM)?

[bulldogtragic]

Great for him and the club.

As an aside that’s 8 new debuts in our jumper this year, nowvonly two players at the club haven’t played a senior game (Jamarra & Bedendo).

[bornadog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E2Soe01UUAE4ObM?format=jpg&name=medium

[comrade]

He's in the Luke Dahlhaus mold. Not the cleanest user but an absolute terrier at the contest, zippy and with good agility.

[1eyedog]

Closing remarks...

'Hopefully I can repay you out on the field and hit a few bodies'.

Is what I like to hear from a debutant.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Closing remarks...

'Hopefully I can repay you out on the field and hit a few bodies'.

Is what I like to hear from a debutant.

I loved that line too. Gives an insight into the traits we're telling the guys are important to the team ethos.

[bulldogtragic]

He's in the Luke Dahlhaus mold. Not the cleanest user but an absolute terrier at the contest, zippy and with good agility.

Can Garcia spell though?

[jeemak]

Can Garcia spell though?

Whot do you mean?

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Whot do you mean?

I think a Dahlhaus 'motovated' reference

[jeemak]

I think a Dahlhaus 'motovated' reference

Check my spelling........

[comrade]

Can Garcia spell though?

He’s more 2013/2014 fully motovated Dahl, not 2017 I’ve won a flag who gives a fig Dahl.

[bornadog]

He’s more 2013/2014 fully motovated Dahl, not 2017 I’ve won a flag who gives a fig Dahl.

Hopefully he doesn't kick like Dahl

[comrade]

Hopefully he doesn't kick like Dahl

He does.

[Grantysghost]

Reminds me of Clay Smith.

Quicker version of.

[bornadog]

He does.

Noooooooooo

[Sedat]

Hope he does the #38 number as proud as Sedat Sir did

[Eastdog]

Good luck Riley Garcia! Hope it is a great debut on Friday night.

[Twodogs]

Fair reception seems like a popular player amongst his peers.

Other players know how hard it is to come back from injury. I reckon he has earned the respect of the playing group already.

[josie]

Like the Clay Smith & Dahl comparisons. From games in vfl I’ve seen this year Garcia is a tough nut. And a quick thinker along with being nimble and quick. Have not see enough to comment on his kicking compared to Dahl. Thought he was really good last week at Frankston and a little wayward a fortnight ago. I think having him and Cody as cheeky live wires is a good thing.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Check my spelling........

I have no motovation to do that... don't care whot you say.

[Twodogs]

I have no motovation to do that... don't care whot you say.

Yeah. While would you want to do that?

[merantau]

Yeah. While would you want to do that?

I think your on to sumthink hear.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I think your on to sumthink hear.

The grammer and speling hear is aweful. Not to meshun off track, this is about Rhylee Garsia.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

The grammer and speling hear is aweful. Not to meshun off track, this is about Rhylee Garsia.

^^His got a point everyone. Your taking this thread of track.

[merantau]

Ok, back on track. Garcia is a Spanish family name. So has Riley got a Spanish or South American background? If he's hakf as good a player as the great Josè then we've struck "oro".

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Ok, back on track. Garcia is a Spanish family name. So has Riley got a Spanish or South American background? If he's hakf as good a player as the great Josè then we've struck "oro".

Cheeky. Not back on track yet :p

[bornadog]

Listening to Bevo, he mentioned he was at the game where Riley did his ACL.

Must have seen something in him. Big risk to take him and here he is ready to debut.

[SquirrelGrip]

Hope he does the #38 number as proud as Sedat Sir did

I think he’s got a touch of the Angelo Petraglias about him too.

[comrade]

Libba, Bontempelli and Garcia is giving me 1997 wog squad vibes.

[Hotdog60]

Libba, Bontempelli and Garcia is giving me 1997 wog squad vibes.

Only you can't say that now days you'll get in trouble. :)

[AshMac]

Listening to Bevo, he mentioned he was at the game where Riley did his ACL.

Must have seen something in him. Big risk to take him and here he is ready to debut.

Funny he mentioned that. I was at that game too sitting one row in front of Bevo.

He was sitting with Chris grant and they were talking about a player who they thought would struggle to make it because “he just can’t get out of his own head”. I’ve always wondered who they were talking about.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Really sucks the lad had to be subbed out, awful first game experience. All the best Riley, hope we see you back soon.

[Sedat]

Really sucks the lad had to be subbed out, awful first game experience. All the best Riley, hope we see you back soon.
His first 2 touches were really composed in traffic.

[bornadog]

Really sucks the lad had to be subbed out, awful first game experience. All the best Riley, hope we see you back soon.

Yeah really felt sorry for him.

[westdog54]

Really sucks the lad had to be subbed out, awful first game experience. All the best Riley, hope we see you back soon.

Footy really sucks sometimes.


His first 2 touches were really composed in traffic.

They really were. I was genuinely excited.

[G-Mo77]

Hopefully he gets another shot at it when he returns. The footy gods can be cruel.

[Hotdog60]

He didn't look out of place and it would have been interesting to see how he fared if he had 4 quarters.
Looks a cross between Daniel and Dollhouse and like to take it on.
If he can avoid injuries he could be a ready made Libba replacement when Libba hangs up the boots.

[GVGjr]

Really sucks the lad had to be subbed out, awful first game experience. All the best Riley, hope we see you back soon.

He's had a tough transition to the life of a professional footballer but if he has that tough edge like we all think he has he then I'm sure he will come out of this as a fine player for us.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

I was really disappointed that he got subbed out early. Poor kid can’t take a trick. I hope he keeps pushing. Was really looking forward to seeing his abilities. It really was just one of those sucky nights.

[bornadog]

I was really disappointed that he got subbed out early. Poor kid can’t take a trick. I hope he keeps pushing. Was really looking forward to seeing his abilities. It really was just one of those sucky nights.

His family were going to fly over, but got locked out, and then the concussion.

[bulldogtragic]

For his first full game:

13 Disposals (6 contested, 3 intercept)
1 Mark
1 Inside 50
1 Goal
1 Goal Assist
4 Score Involvements
9 Pressure Acts
151 Metres Gained


Not enough to get a Rising Star nomination, but that’s an impressive full first game. AFL media reported we opened up talks for an extension with him. Hope he signs it soon.

[Twodogs]

For his first full game:

13 Disposals (6 contested, 3 intercept)
1 Mark
1 Inside 50
1 Goal
1 Goal Assist
4 Score Involvements
9 Pressure Acts
151 Metres Gained


Not enough to get a Rising Star nomination, but that’s an impressive full first game. AFL media reported we opened up talks for an extension with him. Hope he signs it soon.

Pretty classy goal too. If he can kick one of those every couple of weeks he will be worth his weight in cockie poop.

[jazzadogs]

I was really impressed with Riley and hope that he gets a decent run of senior football now.

He and Mcneill will have an interesting battle for that final forward position (with Weightman, JJ and Scott as well but slightly different roles). Imagine the price you would have got on this forward line 6 months ago:
Garcia Naughton Scott
Weightman Bruce Mcneill

[Dry Rot]

For his first full game:

13 Disposals (6 contested, 3 intercept)
1 Mark
1 Inside 50
1 Goal
1 Goal Assist
4 Score Involvements
9 Pressure Acts
151 Metres Gained


Not enough to get a Rising Star nomination, but that’s an impressive full first game. AFL media reported we opened up talks for an extension with him. Hope he signs it soon.

How many tackles?

[jeemak]

How many tackles?

No tackles. Zero.

He needs to make sure he improves on that, but Jesus he was hard early when it was wet and we needed to stamp authority on the game. He alongside Scott and Hannan bodied players to make sure the ball spilled and kept moving forward early, and were a major reason we could keep the pressure on in the forward half.

[Bulldog Joe]

No tackles. Zero.

He needs to make sure he improves on that, but Jesus he was hard early when it was wet and we needed to stamp authority on the game. He alongside Scott and Hannan bodied players to make sure the ball spilled and kept moving forward early, and were a major reason we could keep the pressure on in the forward half.

His bump on Barrass was the most effective pressure act that he could have inflicted, but the stats just put that in the same category as causing an opponent to change direction on disposal.

[bulldogtragic]

How many tackles?

He laid a really strong tackle but was penalised for it, high I think. So that wasn’t counted. I thought he was wrongly penalised.

[bornadog]

Exciting times ahead, says Garcia (https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/967393/exciting-times-ahead-says-garcia)

Western Bulldogs forward Riley Garcia says Sunday’s commanding win over West Coast will give the group plenty of confidence as they approach the back half of the season.

Playing in front of an empty Optus Stadium, with crowds disallowed just hours before the first bounce, the Bulldogs stunned the Eagles on their home deck to record their second win in Perth in just three weeks.

It was the perfect end to an otherwise unusual build-up, with the Bulldogs making the most of their week in quarantine in WA.

“It’s been a strange week, but to be honest I’ve loved every bit of it,” Garcia told westernbulldogs.com.au post-match.

“We played a lot of cards, and just built on our relationships. From my end, I couldn’t fault it – it was a lot of quality time with everyone, so it was actually an enjoyable week.

“We knew that coming over here was going to be a big ask, so for us to get the win was huge.

“It instils more belief amongst the boys of what we’re capable of. It’s exciting times ahead.”

After making his debut in round 11 against Melbourne – albeit subbed out with concussion in the first quarter – the 20-year-old was determined to make his way back into the side.

And that he did, collecting 13 disposals against the Eagles, while recording his first career goal in his home state.

“It’s always unfortunate to get injured, so my mindset was regardless of what level I was playing at, to attack the next game to the best of my ability,” Garcia said.

“I put in a good performance against Geelong VFL and put my hand up for selection.

“I was pretty pumped (kicking my first goal) – all the boys were pretty excited for me. I don’t remember too much so there was probably a bit of adrenaline.”

[Dry Rot]

I liked Garcia's goal.

Gets possession, gets tackled and dispossessed, but then immediately back onto his feet looking for opportunity and finds one with a hand pass from Bruce.

[comrade]

I liked Garcia's goal.

Gets possession, gets tackled and dispossessed, but then immediately back onto his feet looking for opportunity and finds one with a hand pass from Bruce.

Was like watching a right footed Clay Smith.

[boydogs]

He laid a really strong tackle but was penalised for it, high I think. So that wasn’t counted. I thought he was wrongly penalised.

Rough tackle. Maybe a bit enthusiastic but I reckon a first gamer should be able to tackle as hard as they like!

[Bulldog4life]

A terrier. I like him. Good skills too. His goal was instinctive.

[bulldogtragic]

For his first full game:

13 Disposals (6 contested, 3 intercept)
1 Mark
1 Inside 50
1 Goal
1 Goal Assist
4 Score Involvements
9 Pressure Acts
151 Metres Gained


Not enough to get a Rising Star nomination, but that’s an impressive full first game. AFL media reported we opened up talks for an extension with him. Hope he signs it soon.

Back it up again in his second full game:

13 Disposals (4 contested)
3 Marks
1 Tackle
4 I50’s
1 Goal, 1 Behind
2 Goal Assists
6 Score Involvements
13 Pressure Acts
213 Metres Gained

I like what I see, especially so early on.

Just take his scoreboard tally in two games: 2 Goals, 3 Goals Assists, 10 Score Involvements

[Mofra]

Has "something". Tough little bugger and has a neat little step too

[bornadog]

I liked his second full game, did some good things

[MrMahatma]

Good player. Has some good tools. Seems a decent user, hard at it.

[comrade]

Good player. Has some good tools. Seems a decent user, hard at it.

Not sure he's in our finals team this year but going to be a good player for us. Cut from the Luke D/Clay Smith mold.

He has just about my favourite attribute which is quick thinking.

[AshMac]

Not sure he's in our finals team this year but going to be a good player for us. Cut from the Luke D/Clay Smith mold.

He has just about my favourite attribute which is quick thinking.

Agree. He’s the one that comes out for Dunks IMO

[bulldogtragic]

A better kicking version of Dahlhaus. He’s a jet.

[EasternWest]

A better kicking version of Dahlhaus. He’s a jet.

Maybe I am haunted by the ghost of Dahlhaus but not only does he play a similar role to him I find he moves eerily like him. Except he can kick.

Man, I miss the days when I didn't know Dahlhaus was a flog.

[Testekill]

He's a fast, tough bastard. I want him and Vandermeer in the team as I reckon they could cause headaches.

[bulldogtragic]

I suspect no one in media land knows he exists, but we all do and he’s making an impact against his RS class this year:

Ranked 4th among rising stars in Bounces Per Game
Ranked 5th among rising stars in Goal Assists Per Game
Ranked 7th among rising stars in Total Bounces
Ranked 9th among rising stars in Inside 50s Per Game
Ranked 10th among rising stars in Contested Possessions Per Game

[Twodogs]

Maybe I am haunted by the ghost of Dahlhaus but not only does he play a similar role to him I find he moves eerily like him. Except he can kick.

Man, I miss the days when I didn't know Dahlhaus was a flog.

Gotta hand it to Luke. It's not often someone cuts off their dreads and then turns into a flog.

[Scorlibo]

Maybe I am haunted by the ghost of Dahlhaus but not only does he play a similar role to him I find he moves eerily like him. Except he can kick.

Man, I miss the days when I didn't know Dahlhaus was a flog.

Call me tragic but I still find myself barracking for Dahlhaus and Stringer when watching the Cats and Bombers. They'll always be premiership heroes, and I thought Dahlhaus in particular epitomised our 2016 team with his tenacity in the forward half.

Agree that Garcia has a lot of Dahlhaus in him.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Call me tragic but I still find myself barracking for Dahlhaus and Stringer when watching the Cats and Bombers. They'll always be premiership heroes, and I thought Dahlhaus in particular epitomised our 2016 team with his tenacity in the forward half.

Agree that Garcia has a lot of Dahlhaus in him.

You're a better man than me, that's clear.
Roughy is the only one I can wish well.
Dahl and Stringer are premiership heroes, for sure. Forever.
But I can't help feeling they were also a big part of our premiership hangover.

Loving to see you're posting here regularly again Scorlibo!

[1eyedog]

A better kicking version of Dahlhaus. He’s a jet.

Yeah he's progressing very quickly. Almost securing a place in our best 22.

[bulldogtragic]

Yeah he's progressing very quickly. Almost securing a place in our best 22.

Yep. There was a VFL report this year from Varcoe saying (from memory) that Garcia was the best he’d seen. Assuming that best was in context of a kid coming off an ACL with limited games against men. Which still seemed high praise. But Varcoe was right, and as you say, if he keeps this level up then he probably stays in the in the best 22 where McLean was hoping to lock in the position. Once he gets more experience and preseasons he’s going to be another headache for oppositions. We should thank Hawthorn for giving us the pick to grab him.