West Australian Riley Garcia says he wants to repay the Western Bulldog’s faith after turning his back on his home state to sign a new deal at the kennel.

The Swan Districts product locked in a three-year extension off the back of a career-best season despite runners-up Sydney and West Coast expressing interest in the 23-year-old’s services.

The new contract locks Garcia into the Dogs, where he has played 31 games, until the end of 2027.

“No doubt that moving away from home has its challenges, but it is a testament to the Club being very family-orientated,” Garcia said.

“The relationships that I have here are ones I’ll have for a very long time; I love what I’ve built here.

“I’m very grateful to the coaches at the Club, I feel like they are the right people to get the best out of me.

“This is a Club that drafted me when I was injured at 18, I feel like I have a lot to repay to the Bulldogs – I feel like success is really close.”

Garcia played a career-high 12 games in 2024, and there were whispers West Coast were interested in the Swan Districts product as they attempt to inject young talent into their rebuilding list.

The Swans were also believed to have sounded out the youngster after their second grand final defeat in three seasons, but Garcia confirmed he would stay at the club that drafted him with pick 62 in 2019.

The Dogs originally offered the midfielder a two-year deal but sweetened the contract with an extra season for security.

Western Bulldogs General Manager of List and Recruiting, Sam Power, said Garcia still showed significant upside.

“We’re really pleased to have Riley commit to us for the next three years,” he said.

“After a number of challenging years with injury, Riley had great continuity in 2024, playing every week at either AFL or VFL level.

“He continues to show promising signs in the AFL system, with his hardness and ability to compete complementing his athletic attributes.

“Still at 23, Riley remains an important part of the Club’s future having shown significant upside, dominating the VFL competition and playing multiple roles at the highest level.”

With Bailey Smith and Jack Macrae requesting moves away from the Bulldogs and Caleb Daniel contemplating a trade, Garcia is set for more opportunities in 2025, having established himself as a star in the VFL.