Where to for Riley Garcia?

[bornadog]

Bio

Riley Garcia arrived at the Kennel with pick 62 in the 2019 AFL Draft from Western Australia. A prolific ball-winning midfielder who runs hard both ways, he managed nine games in 2021 after making his debut in round 11. Garcia is a natural leader who plays with enthusiasm, with his tough, physical approach setting an excellent standard for his team. Rolled up from half-forward as an outlet, hassled defenders, found space to take marks and shots on goal.

Riley has had a few interrupted seasons since coming to the club starting off with an ACL. Turns 23 next week, he has only managed 19 games since his draft in 2019

Where do we see him playing in 2024?

Can he break into the best 23?

I feel 2024 is his last chance to prove himself.

[Grantysghost]

I really like Riley. He just needs to get an opportunity and grab it, otherwise it could well be his last season.

I hope he makes it, has an x factor I like. Reminds me of a Clay Smith.

[PR0408]

I really like Riley. He just needs to get an opportunity and grab it, otherwise it could well be his last season.

I hope he makes it, has an x factor I like. Reminds me of a Clay Smith.

I agree. It?s a brutal contact sport and in my opinion is a standout VFL player and with some luck and being super fit he could become a very reliable AFL player. Good speed and agility among with some toughness. I hope he is given another two years.

[bornadog]

I really like Riley. He just needs to get an opportunity and grab it, otherwise it could well be his last season.

I hope he makes it, has an x factor I like. Reminds me of a Clay Smith.

I agree. It?s a brutal contact sport and in my opinion is a standout VFL player and with some luck and being super fit he could become a very reliable AFL player. Good speed and agility among with some toughness. I hope he is given another two years.

Where do you see him playing? mid, small forward?

[bulldogtragic]

Matty Boyd like smaller defender. But he’s a bit quicker too.

[Grantysghost]

Where do you see him playing? mid, small forward?

That's the issue probably, there's not a clear role for him.
Ideally inside mid / forward I'd say.

[Grantysghost]

Matty Boyd like smaller defender. But he’s a bit quicker too.

Interesting hadn't thought of that BT. Could be a candidate, does he have the leg speed?

[bulldogtragic]

Interesting hadn't thought of that BT. Could be a candidate, does he have the leg speed?

Yep, quick enough, and a hard nut and good tackler.

[Dazza]

I really like Garcia. Just that one game where everything went wrong sticks in my mind a bit. Giving away 50m penalties etc

[Warrnambulldog]

think it was game prior to that shocking game, he was one of our best. I?m a fan of his, maybe aspiring to be a young Dahlhaus is his comparison. Needs to start finding the goals and make half forward his main position to keep his spot I think

[FrediKanoute]

Has something, just can't get on the park long enough to show it.

Important year for him to show that the spark has signs of life.

Backline could be an interesting move for him.

[whythelongface]

Has something, just can't get on the park long enough to show it.

Important year for him to show that the spark has signs of life.

Backline could be an interesting move for him.

Agree. Definitely has ability. Biggest issue is where does he play. Midfield seems his best position but he is behind a raft of players. In saying that we do need another in and under Libba style player so there is a definite opportunity for him, just needs to stay on the park and show development this year.

[Virgin-Dog]

Whenever Garcia has been fully fit, he's been in the 22, so it's a safe assumption he's a "best 22" player. Injuries are all that stands in his way, and frankly it is appearing to be a big enough problem that it wouldn't shock me to see him manage somewhere in the realm of 5-10 games this year and ultimately be delisted. Sometimes talented players just don't make it because such a critical element (durability) is so poor. Like Morabito at Freo

[Prince Imperial]

From the games I've seen of him at both AFL and VFL level, his field kicking skills have been subpar. Definitely his last season to establish himself as an AFL player.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I want to like him.

His game looks like it would translate well to big games/finals because he's quick and enjoys the physical aspect of the game, not too dissimilar to Dahlhaus back in the day (mind you, he is yet to prove it - but the attributes remind me of Dahl).

He needs a strong year though because I'm not sure we will keep carrying him. I'd be interested to know where our plans would be for him to play.