James Harmes

James Harmes, born on October 5, 1995, began his football journey in Devon Meadows, Victoria, attending Hillcrest Christian College and later Hallam Senior College. He played junior football for the Devon Meadows Football Club, including eight senior games at sixteen. His talent was recognized by the Dandenong Stingrays, where he played in the TAC Cup as a bottom-aged player in 2012. In 2013, Harmes represented Victoria Country in the AFL Under 18 Championships, playing two matches, and concluded his junior career with the Dandenong Stingrays, including a grand final appearance.

Harmes was drafted by the Melbourne Football Club with their first selection in the 2014 rookie draft. After spending 2014 in the Victoria Football League (VFL) with the Casey Scorpions, he was promoted to Melbourne’s senior list in July 2015, making his AFL debut in round 15 against Essendon. He played eight of the remaining nine matches that season. In 2016, Harmes earned an AFL Rising Star nomination in round seven, following a performance where he recorded twenty-six disposals, three goals, and five tackles against Gold Coast. He played nineteen matches that season, showcasing consistency in his second year. Harmes was a key part of Melbourne’s 2021 AFL Premiership team, a significant milestone for his career and the club.

Following nine seasons and 152 games with Melbourne, Harmes was traded to the Western Bulldogs during the 2023 Trade Period for a future third-round selection. At the Bulldogs, he re-sparked his career, notably excelling in a wing role. In his first season with the Western Bulldogs (2024), he played nine games, scoring seven goals and contributing significantly to the team. Harmes has expressed enjoying a fresh start and a renewed passion for the game in his new environment.