POLL: Fringe Focus: Riley Garcia

[Grantysghost]

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Riley Garcia’s journey to the Bulldogs has been anything but easy, but it’s one fans can’t help but admire. Coming through the ranks at Caversham Suns in Perth’s eastern suburbs, Garcia quickly built a reputation as a tenacious and skilful midfielder. His performances earned him a spot in the NAB AFL Academy and the WA under-18 side, where he impressed with his pace, pressure and ball winning ability. Unfortunately, his 2019 season ended in heartbreak when he tore his ACL during the championship winning campaign, a cruel blow just as his draft hopes were peaking.

Despite the setback, the Bulldogs took a chance on him with pick 62 in the 2019 draft, recognising his resilience and talent. Since then, Garcia’s time at the Kennel has been a mix of promise and perseverance — overcoming knee issues, a concussion on debut, and more than his fair share of setbacks. But when fit, he’s shown exactly why the club rated him so highly: energetic at the contest, clean below his knees, and always giving his all for the jumper. Riley was extended until the end of 2027 late in 2024.

Garcia a Bulldog until 2027

Pros:

• Strong tackler
• Clearances
• Commitment to the contest

Cons:

• Tries to do too much at times
• Disposal
• Inconsistent

Poll question : At the end of Riley Garcia's current contract (end 27), what would you do?

[Grantysghost]

I've gone with trade at the end of 2026. I think that contract was too long and I get he's showing glimpses at times, but I would try and get a pick we can use for our upcoming F/S players.

I find RIley a frustrating player; he's one I really thought might take a leap and make it however the last two seasons I've spent more time wondering why he doesn't use the first option and tries to take on too many!

[jazzadogs]

I don't think Riley is going to make it, because his decision making is so poor that it counters most of his positive traits. He always ignores the first option and tries to baulk/break one extra tackle, resulting in him either getting caught HTB or coughing up a rushed turnover.

However based on the options in the poll I've said keep if he hits his KPIs - which would include games played, but primarily on his contributions within those games.

I'm also open to a trade at the end of 2026 if there are any takers.

[Grantysghost]

I don't think Riley is going to make it, because his decision making is so poor that it counters most of his positive traits. He always ignores the first option and tries to baulk/break one extra tackle, resulting in him either getting caught HTB or coughing up a rushed turnover.

However based on the options in the poll I've said keep if he hits his KPIs - which would include games played, but primarily on his contributions within those games.

I'm also open to a trade at the end of 2026 if there are any takers.

They were my two thoughts as well - it's why I included them as options.

It's hard, I think i've seen enough already, but he might surprise me and I'd be glad if he does.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I've long been a fan.

But I had hoped for more in 2025.

Needs to play 16+ games and display the consistency that has alluded him for injury and form reasons. Has enough ability, but if he doesn't put it together in 2026, he probably goes to another club thereafter.

I will say he's a bit of a victim of not having a clearly defined role. He goes from the #1 midfielder at VFL to ... I don't even know what at AFL level.

[Bornadog]

I think he lacks decision making and penetration with his kicking. He often either gets caught holding the ball because he can't find a target or he just whacks it on his foot to no one.

Happy to trade out unless he comes good.

[jeemak]

I don't like players who run around in circles with the football and then boot mongrels into the air. He does this too much for me, or at least I think he does because that's now all I see when he gets the football and it makes me yell a lot to the point that I might not even know if it's still happening.

So on the proviso we land Butters I feel his career is best served elsewhere. Trade as soon as we can.

[GVGjr]

Garcia is a good enough player from my perspective but if you read the best 23 thread he's not getting much of mention
To me he's still a candidate for a spot on the bench.

[Dogs 24/7]

I'm not in a rush to say goodbye to Garcia who is a gritty player who's still got some upside.
If he asked for a trade I'd consider it though.
At his best he is an impact player but his kicking skills at times let him down. Can he fix that issue or at least get better?

[Mofra]

His best bet is as a lockdown/defensive mid or HF. His form reads a bit like Rhylee West's early career - almost wants it too mnuch and as a consequence does too much.
If he can simplify his game he'll be a lot better.

[Critter]

When I look at the young players we have coming through I think that, at best, he ends up as a bench warmer. I voted that we shop him around and see what manner of deal we can do.

[Go_Dogs]

I voted keep if can hit KPIs

His best is impactful - he’s quick, he can tackle and kick goals.

He’s not a small forward, albeit he’s going to struggle to be an inside mid for more than 25% game time at best with our current mix and probably over the next 3 seasons if we’re forecasting Fridge and Sanders to help fill the void with aging Libba and Treloar.

Finding a role to get the most out of his positives and reduce his downside remains the challenge for our coaching group and I don’t feel we’ve answered it yet.

[NAUGHTY100]

I also voted keep if he hits certain KPIs .
He has to learn to give the 1st option , its no good getting the ball spinning around a few times and then loosing it , if he styled his game on someone like young Sanders who when he 1st started playing senior football would always ive off a hand ball even at times when it wasnt needed but her rarely got caught with the ball , and as a player gains experiance and strength they then can move the ball better , Garcia just needs to give off and then run to recive if possible not hold onto the ball and turn it over .
I think he has a lot to offer if he plays within his limits maybe he should relise you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear .

[Jasper]

Garcia is a player we should keep. With a bit of luck on the injury front he is a great option for us.