The state of play for Bulldogs’ off-contract stars as finals fade-out to trigger shake-up

On the back of their season-ending loss to Hawthorn last Friday night, both the Western Bulldogs players and list managers are now faced with some difficult decisions in the coming weeks.

As some ponder a move elsewhere, others are praying for another season at the top level – desperate to prove themselves an asset in the senior side.

Below is an analysis on every out of contract player at Whitten Oval heading into the 2025 season, including a word for a contracted duo who may be forced to look towards a rival club for the game time they desire.

Less than 72 hours after his side’s season-ending loss to the Hawks, the superstar on-baller has officially requested a trade from The Kennel. His want to move was as far from a surprise as any player in recent memory, but there was one big catch – he didn’t nominate a club of preference. Geelong were at ultra-short odds to be named his preferred destination of choice, but Hawthorn and Collingwood had also been linked much earlier in the year for his services. Whether or not Smith (and perhaps the Bulldogs) have intentionally kept his preference undisclosed by design remains to be seen, but make no doubt that the Bulldogs will want adequate compensation for their Pick 7 in the 2018 Draft. If not Geelong, where?!

RILEY GARCIA

Garcia has been incredibly unlucky to not play more senior football in 2024, and is in rare air with his stat lines in the VFL this season. Clearly far too good to be playing reserves, the 23-year-old is the victim of the Bulldogs’ senior side midfield being so strong; stuck behind Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore and Adam Treloar – not to mention the rise of Ed Richards on-ball. Born and bred in Western Australia, Garcia will naturally be talked about as a trade target for the Dockers and Eagles to poach. But the likes of Port Adelaide could also benefit from his services, and have previously been flagged as a club with interest in him. There’s definitely a world where Garcia stays put at Whitten Oval, but as a player in high demand he is well within his rights to assess his options elsewhere.