The Western Bulldogs have delisted midfielder Riley Garcia, but are pledging to select him at the upcoming rookie draft in November.
The West Australian was taken with Pick 62 in the 2019 National Draft and has since played 39 games for the Dogs.
After 20 matches across the past two seasons, Garcia failed to feature at AFL level in 2026 as he battled through a hamstring injury.
Garcia managed only one VFL game this season. A 33-disposal, six-tackle and one-goal effort against Frankston in Round 16.
Although the Bulldogs have committed to taking Garcia in this year's rookie draft, other clubs will likely consider making a play for the 178cm midfielder.
The 25-year-old has shown promise during his seven years at The Kennel, but he is stuck behind the likes of Zak Butters, Marcus Bontempelli, Ed Richards, Joel Freijah, Matt Kennedy, Ryley Sanders and Cooper Hynes.
Luke Beveridge's men finished seventh this season, meaning Essendon, Richmond, West Coast, Port Adelaide, North Melbourne, Gold Coast, GWS, St Kilda, Carlton, Collingwood and Melbourne have a selection before the Dogs in the rookie draft.
There is also the possibility of Garcia being picked up in the DFA signing period or the national draft.
The Western Bulldogs have made plenty of changes to their squad this off-season, with Oskar Baker (delisted), Nick Coffield (delisted), Harvey Gallagher (delisted), Ryan Gardner (delisted), Tom Liberatore (retired), Lachlan McNeil (delisted), Lachlan Smith (delisted), Adam Treloar (retired), and Zac Walker (delisted) also departing The Kennel.
