Welcome to the Western Bulldogs Riley Garcia

[bornadog]

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