What Will He Bring: James Harmes

At the start of play yesterday, all the talk from a Bulldogs perspective was all about the trade that secured Pick 4 from the Gold Coast Suns. By the end of it, Melbourne midfielder James Harmes had requested a trade to the club, the two teams agreed to a trade, and Harmes signed a three-year deal with the club.

While the Bulldogs efforts to add anyone to their coaching ranks have been slow and laborious this off-season, they’ve had no issues facilitating trades, with Harmes being the second deal that the club have finalised within two days of the AFL Trade Period starting.

THE TRADE:

Western Bulldogs Receive: James Harmes

Melbourne Receive: Future Third-Round Draft Pick

WHAT WE SAID:

“James comes to us with plenty of experience, having played over 150 games and winning a premiership across his nine years in the system.

“His defensive mindset and ability to cover the ground will add to our midfield group, while he also has the versatility to play in a variety of roles.” – Sam Power, General Manager of List Management and Recruiting

2023 SEASON:

After being a mainstay in Melbourne’s best side for much of the previous seven seasons, Harmes fell out of favour in 2023, playing just nine games – his lowest tally since his debut season – and finished the year in the VFL while his teammates embarked on a finals campaign.

His numbers across the board also suffered a significant drop in 2023, averaging just over 12 disposals in those nine games, although that average is somewhat diluted by the fact that he was named as the starting substitute three times; his disposal average increases to 16 in the remaining six matches where he started on-field.

Despite this, his form while playing for Casey at VFL level was strong, averaging 28.6 disposals and 4.4 tackles this year, and was one of Casey’s best in their Elimination Final defeat to the Bulldogs, picking up 25 touches.

WHAT WILL HE BRING:

While the Western Bulldogs top-end talent is strong enough to match it with even the best sides in the competition, much has been made of the inconsistencies that exist throughout the rest of their squad, and the need to improve both depth through the midfield and the group that is commonly categorised as the “bottom six”. Harmes ticks both of those boxes.

While some critics have pointed out that Harmes had a rather disappointing campaign in 2023, he is a player that still has plenty to offer at just 28 years of age. Despite having a down season this year, he has proven to be a consistent member of a Melbourne side that has been a genuine contender for several seasons. He provides important depth through the club’s midfield, and his experience will be crucial in supporting the established stars that already run through the centre of the ground. But in addition to supporting the current midfield stars, his defensive traits will be highly-desired by the Dogs, who have lacked that type of midfielder since the departure of Josh Dunkley.

However, even if Harmes isn’t a guaranteed started in the club’s 22 every week, being an experienced, ready-made alternative that the Dogs can call upon if injuries strike will be a big boost to the entire side. Often over the past couple of seasons, we’ve seen the Bulldogs be forced to turn to younger alternatives who have not quite been able to bridge the gap between themselves and the star players in the side. As a ready-made option that can have an impact and contribute to the side straight away, Harmes will at worst be a useful depth option in 2024, and at best can help make a big difference to the club’s bottom-six.