James Harmes has been in and out of the senior Melbourne side over the past few years, spending time in midfield and at other times starting from half back in a sweeping role. Like many of his teammates, a career of uncertainty and underperformance has suddenly clicked into gear in 2021, coinciding with his reversion to what is evidently his best role as midfield enforcer. He is not a tagger as such, running off his man to collect possessions the other way in the modern style, but he may be given a more defensive role tonight as the Lions have some superstar onballers.
James Harmes has been in and out of the senior Melbourne side over the past few years, spending time in midfield and at other times starting from half back in a sweeping role. Like many of his teammates, a career of uncertainty and underperformance has suddenly clicked into gear in 2021, coinciding with his reversion to what is evidently his best role as midfield enforcer. He is not a tagger as such, running off his man to collect possessions the other way in the modern style, but he may be given a more defensive role tonight as the Lions have some superstar onballers.
Hurt factor by Harmes
Steady statistical improvement continued for midfielder James Harmes, the renowned tagger demonstrating his attacking assets in year five. Lifting his disposal, mark and tackle averages to career highs, Harmes also delivered the 22nd most inside 50s across the competition per outing. Coach Simon Goodwin loosened the defensive reins on the tagger and has been quoted for favouring a team defence structure. It remains to be seen whether this philosophy continues, although the Dee has demonstrated considerable fantasy upside if fielded in this type of role. Take him in middle rounds if you dare.
Harmes does damage
Starting mostly forward to begin the season with interchanges in midfield, James Harmes' role shifted towards the end of the year towards permanent tagging, culminating in September where he beat Tom Mitchell and Luke Shuey and out-accumulated Joel Selwood. His fantasy scoring in the latter role jumped by 17 points well into startable range for a midfielder, adding three disposals and two tackles per game. For a team to graduate from middle of the road to finals contender, it needs B-graders like Harmes to start playing their role to the best of their abilities. He is now getting the most out of himself and, while he probably can't consistently push past the benchmark set in compiling that late average, he will be undervalued by those who look at his full-season numbers. He should be picked in middle rounds, with an early reach on the cards.
Harmes in the pocket
A shift from defence late in 2016 back to a pressure forward role did very little to change James Harmes' statistical output, as he put up almost identical numbers placing him at about replacement level. Harmes had a VFL sojourn pre-byes, which is an indication that he's on the fringes of best 22. The Demons will probably try some younger blokes in that role, so he's not draftable as his upside is limited.
