Emerging midfield star Hugo Garcia has re-committed to St Kilda, extending his time in the red, white and black until at least the end of 2029.
Already contracted until the end of 2027, Garcia has signed an additional two-year extension to remain at RSEA Park.
The show of faith follows a breakout season for the 21-year-old midfielder, who was originally selected with pick No. 50 in the 2023 AFL National Draft from the Calder Cannons and Greenvale Football Club.
After playing 23 games across his first two seasons, Garcia featured in every match in 2026 and finished among the AFL’s top 10 players for total clearances (six per game), centre clearances (2.9 per game) and tackles (5.6 per game).
Unsurprisingly, Garcia surged up the official AFL Rankings, with the onballer ending the season ranked as the 43rd best player in the game – up from 302nd at the end of 2025.
Garcia said the opportunity to continue developing alongside Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Max Hall and Darcy Wilson was one of the key reasons behind putting pen to paper.
“Seeing what we’re building at the club, especially with the boys I play alongside in the middle each week, made the decision to re-sign an easy one.
“It’s a great feeling to have this locked away nice and early so come pre-season, I can fully focus on working hard to make myself and the side better.
“We didn’t quite finish the season the way we would have liked but I know for myself, it just makes me hungrier for 2027 - we have a talented and connected group, but we understand that more growth is required to compete with the best in the competition.
“St Kilda has shown me their commitment with their investment and belief, and I want to repay that faith by bringing success to this football club.”
St Kilda General Manager of Football Lenny Hayes said Garcia had become a critical pillar in St Kilda’s emerging midfield, courtesy of his ability to damage both inside the contest and with his dash and ball use on the outside.
“Hugo has quickly become an ultra-consistent and reliable competitor who is already holding his own against some of the competition’s best midfielders.
“His work ethic and dedication to improve mean he's still got plenty of growth ahead of him, which should be welcome news for all Saints supporters.”
Garcia joins fellow 2023 draftee and close friend Darcy Wilson in re-committing to the Saints, after Wilson signed a contract extension earlier this season through to the end of 2028.
