Something stinks !!!

2 years to run on his contract 

Heart and soul player

He and his family are lifetime Demons supporters 

143 games 

2021 premiership player

you couldn’t meet a better player to our supporters at any function.  He is a true clubman. 

WHY WOULD HE BE SPEAKING TO OTHER TEAMS? what was he told during the exit interview. Less time in the midfield and expected to be pushed back to allow Sparrow and Jordon more time ??  Is he not one of the coach’s favourites like Spargo or ANB!?

ffs. Harmesy is a required player !!! 

While it's disappointing to see such a player explore other options isn't this what is required to contend again next year? We desperately need to switch things up and move players around and bring new ones in to adapt. This is exactly what we're doing and I'm all for it.

To me this looks like a really productive trade period from our recruiting team! We can cover Harmes' strengths, although we have now lost pace with both Hunt and Bedford but who knows we might pick someone up that fits the bill.

3 hours ago, Bates Mate said:

I'd like to see him in the ANB role. Tank might need a bit of work

This alone says you have absolutely no idea about the role that ANB plays in our system.

Harmes could do about 50% of the running required.

5 minutes ago, spirit of norm smith said:

Something stinks !!!

2 years to run on his contract 

Heart and soul player

He and his family are lifetime Demons supporters 

143 games 

2021 premiership player

you couldn’t meet a better player to our supporters at any function.  He is a true clubman. 

WHY WOULD HE BE SPEAKING TO OTHER TEAMS? what was he told during the exit interview. Less time in the midfield and expected to be pushed back to allow Sparrow and Jordon more time ??  Is he not one of the coach’s favourites like Spargo or ANB!?

ffs. Harmesy is a required player !!! 

i was young-ish when harmes first came through but i remember him being really dynamic forward of centre had an awesome goal sense, good sidestep and fend off and laid tackles and forward pressure. i distinctively remember him taking a huge hanger one day but have never been able to find it again since back in his #43 days. my memory might be wrong but we should be trying to get that side of him out of him more often when he is forward he definitely should still have a role at the club in 23

24 minutes ago, spirit of norm smith said:

Something stinks !!!

2 years to run on his contract 

Heart and soul player

He and his family are lifetime Demons supporters 

143 games 

2021 premiership player

you couldn’t meet a better player to our supporters at any function.  He is a true clubman. 

WHY WOULD HE BE SPEAKING TO OTHER TEAMS? what was he told during the exit interview. Less time in the midfield and expected to be pushed back to allow Sparrow and Jordon more time ??  Is he not one of the coach’s favourites like Spargo or ANB!?

ffs. Harmesy is a required player !!! 

We would only trade if the deal is right. Relax

6 minutes ago, DemonWA said:

We would only trade if the deal is right. Relax

Clearly something not quite right 

12 minutes ago, spirit of norm smith said:

Clearly something not quite right 

Take the emotion out of it and put it into a work context- another employer will give you a promotion and more money. You'd go for an interview for sure. Doesn't mean you take the job but you can't be begrudged for looking around 

I will be upfront, I love James "Chompers" Harmes. Definitely one of my favourite Melbourne players.

He is a heart and soul type player who loves the Demons.

He also achieved the ultimate...barracked for the Demons, plays for the Demons and won a Premiership for the Demons. You can't get much better than that!

I am sure people will laugh, but I would expect a late first round pick from Essendon if we traded him. That's how highly I rate him.

Nevertheless, besides "that" kick to Fritsch in the 2021 Grand Final James Harmes' kicking can be a bit hit and miss at times.

I would personally prefer to trade Tom Sparrow over James Harmes.

But IF we are to trade James Harmes it needs to be for a player who will make the team BETTER to win more Premierships.

Mark my words though, I would be extremely cautious dealing with Essendon. I wouldn't trust them as far as I could throw them!

Why the hell would he go to Essendon they are a lost cause. Picked the worst coach infighting. North are a better destination club. I'm calling BS. With him out of the side our depth would be rubbish. Dunstan that's it. We need Harmes don't throw the baby out with the bathwater

Every player has a price attached, based on salary cap pressures, opposed to budgetary pressures, which is a dissapointing.

If Harmes thinks he is worth more than the club has earmarked, then good luck to him.

We can't offer everyone what they think they are worth. Although, it would be interesting if the salary cap was removed.

Spicy thread.

7 hours ago, Jibroni said:

Not sure what the benefit is in trading him for a 2nd round pick.

Either Tom Sparrow is going to explode in 2023 or we are looking to bring in someone else.

 I am expecting a more widespread improvement and ascendancy onfield for both Rivers and Sparrow, their skills and youthful fitness/recovery being anticipated by the Club for 2023...the losses of Harmes and Hunt are sad, but they both have had many opportunities to shine more consistently. The loss of Bedford (as a raw talent) is the loss that I am most concerned about and both Chandler and JJ are going to need to also 'step up to the plate' to cover the current yet not articulated team modifications.

3 hours ago, WERRIDEE said:

Why the hell would he go to Essendon they are a lost cause. Picked the worst coach infighting. North are a better destination club. I'm calling BS. With him out of the side our depth would be rubbish. Dunstan that's it. We need Harmes don't throw the baby out with the bathwater

My take on the recent trade "rumours" especially the Hunt Bedford Harmes and Hunter ones is  thst we are preparing for a couple of gettable  B graders to assist our outside running and flankers OR one top range A grader to bolster probably our on the call division to make greater use of the Gawn/Grundy ruck dominance 

Plsyers currently under consideration for trading to enable any swapping or negotiating are Bedford Harmes Hunt snd of course indirectly Jackson. 

By freeing up all those salaries I estimate about $1.5 m/ $1.7 m would be freed up to pay for Grundy and  with his medium/small salary reduction as mooted in The Age today and Pies paying up to $300,000 per season up to  $1.25m could be available for three other players one boutique ballwinner and/ or Key Forward position addition plus 1 or 2 draftees commencing on base salaries for 2 years.

Another  option is to get 2 specifically chosen 22/26 yo's to bolster say a wing and half forward or outside on baller.

Possible trade targets available or worth looking at as potentially gettable are Hunter ( Dogs) Narkle ( Cats) one or either Brown bros (Pies) Graham (Tigers) Dow ( Carlton) plus any standouts at the VFL SANFL and WAFL Comps. 

Calls to Managers of Membrey ( Saints) Bruce ( Dogs) to make a polite enquiry would also be prudent. 

No A graders ( Hunter with baggage or Graham best ) but remember Stengle !!!.

Could Milera ( Crows) or Hunter Clark ( Saints) or Thomas ( Roos) be prized out of their Clubs  seeking a change in luck and environment to succeed in. Plenty of others here in the Twos of Clubs like Harmes Bedford or Hunty being squeezed out. 

Of course our Casey Demons are well Placed  to  provide potential youngsters to add youth snd new skills to our group in 2033 with another pre season under their belts. 

Could be way off target here but let's hope JT snd Tim Lamb are not ruling any one out in this crazy period of deals trades drafts and steals. 

You have got to be in it to win now to reap the rewards from March next year.

. 
 

 

it to win it. 

MFC BIO : 

James Harmes' versatility may be his biggest strength as a footballer.

He started his career as a dangerous small forward, starred in the midfield during Melbourne's 2018 finals charge and played a role across half-back during stages of 2020.

He cemented his spot in the senior side in 2021, a key player in the forward line and through the midfield helped the team to a Premiership.

While his value on the field is evident, Harmes also brings an important energy off the field, being one of the most popular characters behind closed doors.

He has a bubbly personality and was recognised for his community work in 2019, receiving the Ian Ridley Memorial Trophy from his biggest fan, Jon.

Why is Harmesy talking to the Bombers!! They are a bunch of misfits right now. (And already have a stacked midfield- Merrett, Shiel, Parush, Caldwell, Hobbs, Mcgrath). Surely Something stinks !!!

Harnesy showed he’s still very much in our best 22 and can play the tag role better than anyone else in the team  

here is the Semi Final best players from AFL WEBSITE 

BEST
Melbourne: Harmes, Petracca, Petty, Langdon, Oliver, Neal-Bullen

IN A BAD NIGHT, HE AT LEAST TRIED TO LIFT WHEN OTHERS FAILED

he averaged 20 disposals and 5 tackles across 2022 (second in tackles to Viney only) in reduced game time

Harmes still has 2 years to run on his contract 

Heart and soul player

He and his family are lifetime Demons supporters 

143 games and only 27  

2021 premiership player… including the special  “kick” to Fritsch that saved the 21GF (ok a little melodramatic) 

You simply couldn’t meet a better player to our supporters at any function.  He is a true clubman. 

 

 

WHY WOULD HE BE SPEAKING TO OTHER TEAMS? And even worse Essendon !!!
So you’d have to think that he was he told during the exit interview that it’s be you are down the order in the midfield and expected to be pushed back further to allow Sparrow and Jordon more time.  (Is he not one of the coach’s favourites like Sparrow, Spargo or ANB!?)

 

Harmesy is a Melbourne man   He has flaws but so does every player. .

We love him - his footy, his passion, he gives his all. 
 

Imv Harmesy should still be viewed strongly as a required player !!! 

13 minutes ago, spirit of norm smith said:

 

MFC BIO : 

James Harmes' versatility may be his biggest strength as a footballer.

He started his career as a dangerous small forward, starred in the midfield during Melbourne's 2018 finals charge and played a role across half-back during stages of 2020.

He cemented his spot in the senior side in 2021, a key player in the forward line and through the midfield helped the team to a Premiership.

While his value on the field is evident, Harmes also brings an important energy off the field, being one of the most popular characters behind closed doors.

He has a bubbly personality and was recognised for his community work in 2019, receiving the Ian Ridley Memorial Trophy from his biggest fan, Jon.

Why is Harmesy talking to the Bombers!! They are a bunch of misfits right now. (And already have a stacked midfield- Merrett, Shiel, Parush, Caldwell, Hobbs, Mcgrath). Surely Something stinks !!!

Harnesy showed he’s still very much in our best 22 and can play the tag role better than anyone else in the team  

here is the Semi Final best players from AFL WEBSITE 

BEST
Melbourne: Harmes, Petracca, Petty, Langdon, Oliver, Neal-Bullen

IN A BAD NIGHT, HE AT LEAST TRIED TO LIFT WHEN OTHERS FAILED

he averaged 20 disposals and 5 tackles across 2022 (second in tackles to Viney only) in reduced game time

Harmes still has 2 years to run on his contract 

Heart and soul player

He and his family are lifetime Demons supporters 

143 games and only 27  

2021 premiership player… including the special  “kick” to Fritsch that saved the 21GF (ok a little melodramatic) 

You simply couldn’t meet a better player to our supporters at any function.  He is a true clubman. 

 

 

WHY WOULD HE BE SPEAKING TO OTHER TEAMS? And even worse Essendon !!!
So you’d have to think that he was he told during the exit interview that it’s be you are down the order in the midfield and expected to be pushed back further to allow Sparrow and Jordon more time.  (Is he not one of the coach’s favourites like Sparrow, Spargo or ANB!?)

 

Harmesy is a Melbourne man   He has flaws but so does every player. .

We love him - his footy, his passion, he gives his all. 
 

Imv Harmesy should still be viewed strongly as a required player !!! 

Gotta say I agree here. Has played important roles fr this team. I also have no sense that Sparrow or Jordan would be better. Can only assume he’s being pushed out. 

Love Nut!

Take it with a grain of salt, but Lloyd on Trade Radio (what? It's a guilty pleasure), just said that this seems more unlikely than likely at the moment.

If Harmes has midfield aspirations, and there's no reason why he shouldn't, then he'd be wise to be looking at other clubs who would be more likely to give him those extra minutes in the middle.

No doubt, with Brayshaw, Oliver, Trac and Viney on or signing long term deals and clearly being our premier midfield squad, Harmes won't get a lot of midfield time for years to come.

Salt of the earth Melbourne man, but may be time for him to test himself at another club.

Gawn

Petracca

Oliver

Viney

May

Lever

Pickett

Brayshaw

Langdon

Fritsch

There's our best 10 players. Harmes comfortably in the 11-18 range but if we essentially swap him for Grundy and bank the Jackson picks, that has to be a win

8 hours ago, Supreme_Demon said:

I will be upfront, I love James "Chompers" Harmes. Definitely one of my favourite Melbourne players.

He is a heart and soul type player who loves the Demons.

He also achieved the ultimate...barracked for the Demons, plays for the Demons and won a Premiership for the Demons. You can't get much better than that!

I am sure people will laugh, but I would expect a late first round pick from Essendon if we traded him. That's how highly I rate him.

Nevertheless, besides "that" kick to Fritsch in the 2021 Grand Final James Harmes' kicking can be a bit hit and miss at times.

I would personally prefer to trade Tom Sparrow over James Harmes.

But IF we are to trade James Harmes it needs to be for a player who will make the team BETTER to win more Premierships.

Mark my words though, I would be extremely cautious dealing with Essendon. I wouldn't trust them as far as I could throw them!

Me to 

Sparrow is a liability under pressure in my view

G Lyon says his mail is that it didn't happen (yet)!

5 minutes ago, waynewussell said:

G Lyon says his mail is that it didn't happen (yet)!

Yep, heard Lyon on SEN... said he had spoken directly to the source and that no meeting had taken place. 

Another good reminder that success (flags) isn't the most important thing to players. 

It's not like Harmes walks into Essendon's midfield and becomes a frontline mid - he'd still be behind Merrett, Shiel and Parish in the pecking order with Caldwell and others on his level too.

I thought that the point of trading players was that you improve your list.

Letting Hunt walk for pick 52 (a pick we may not use) is a clear step backwards.

Getting rid of Harmes for anything other than a top 10 player would be an even bigger step backwards, and even then I would be reluctant given his versatility and cultural importance. If the reason for doing so is to bring in damaged goods such Hunter, then this becomes even more questionable.

We have had a good reputation for respecting contracts and looking after players in recent times. Even the faintest hint to a player such as Harmes that he should consider his options whilst under contract is really disappointing. If nothing else, I would hate to be relying on Sparrow or Jordon to step up if we get injuries to one of the big 3 in the midfield. 

 

 

 

 

 

Maybe Harmes has come to question his place in the side, when he got injured in round 19, he was brought back as the sub as compared to straight into the team. Right at that time Brayshaw went into the middle and (I can't remember where I read this) over the last 5 rounds averaged the 4th most disposals in the comp. Plus I think we've shown we are reluctant to play a true tagger - having assigned both Viney and Brashaw run with roles during the season.

So Harmes might be thinking he's gone from 4th or 5th mid option (behind Clarry, Trac and Viney) with Sparrow in the mix around that 4th/5th spot, to now the 5th/6th spot, which means he's got to either try and adapt to a new role - wing, half back/forward or there's a chance he'll be one of the first in and out of the team based on performance or selection needs. I don't think he can play permanent wing or half back - he can go and do those roles sporadically but, and this is the same why half forward might not suit, I think he has more burst than stamina and couldn't do those roles long enough. He does have a good goal sense, but half forwards need to run and pressure all day, which is not his go.

As the 4th/5th mid you can find a lot of game time as long as you can do those other roles ok, but Sparrow only averaged 68.5% time on ground this year and maybe Harmes doesn't want that, knowing elsewhere he could be playing a bigger role???