Riley Garcia will make his AFL debut for the Western Bulldogs on Friday night against Melbourne.

The 20-year-old midfielder was delivered the news in front of players and staff during Wednesday’s team meeting.

Garcia arrived at the Kennel from Western Australia with pick number 62 in the 2019 NAB AFL Draft.

He spent the majority of the 2020 season recovering from an ACL reconstruction, before making a return to football later in the year through scratch matches in the Gold Coast hub.

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Garcia gets the nod

Riley Garcia was told he would be making his debut in Round 11 against Melbourne in the team meeting on Wednesday morning.

Since suffering a minor knee setback earlier this pre-season, Garcia has done everything possible to push for a call-up.

And at Marvel Stadium - in arguably one of the biggest matches of the season to date - he will get his chance.

Garcia has played every game for the Footscray Bulldogs this season, displaying impressive form at VFL level.

From his five state-league games, the tough inside midfielder has averaged 23.8 disposals and six tackles.

Garcia will become the fifth Bulldog to make his AFL debut this year, following in the footsteps of Anthony Scott, Lachie McNeil, Jordon Sweet and Buku Khamis.