WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder James Harmes has retired, with the former Demon stepping away from the game.

AFL.com.au can reveal Harmes has called an end to his AFL career, having been in discussions with the Dogs in recent weeks.

He informed teammates of the decision on Tuesday and leaves after 174 games at the top level. 

It comes after a challenging period for the 2021 Melbourne premiership player, with Harmes not returning to the Bulldogs' pre-season after their Christmas break due to personal reasons and missing their camp in Queensland last week.  

It leaves the Dogs with a vacant list spot that they will be able to trial players with until the March 2 deadline for the pre-season supplemental period. 

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The 30-year-old Harmes had this season remaining on the three-year deal he signed when he joined the Western Bulldogs from Melbourne at the end of the 2023 season.

He played nine games in 2024 and 13 in 2025 under Luke Beveridge, having played 152 games for the Demons. Harmes was a rookie list success story for Melbourne, joining the club after being overlooked in the 2013 national draft. 

In his third season he became a regular under former Dees coach Paul Roos, before maintaining a spot under Simon Goodwin with his hard edge in the midfield and ability to go forward and kick a goal. 

Harmes played 18 games in the Dees' 2021 premiership campaign, including their thumping win over the Western Bulldogs at the Optus Stadium Grand Final. 

James Harmes (right) and Christian Petracca after Melbourne's Grand Final win over the Western Bulldogs in Perth in September 2021. Picture: AFL Photos

He was very good when he was playing as a tagger but dropped down the pecking order

One of my all-time faves. Hope he's OK.

Very sad demise…. To see our premiership heroes depart still young, what occurred after the 21 flag to our list is a reflection of how poor our footy dept managed player issues, people can read what they want into this, but Hope he gets the help he needs… thanks for that kick to Fritsch that started the come back, will always be a premiership hero

Who knows what happens without that kick in 2021. Maybe the single most pivotal disposal in our history. All the best in retirement Harmesy! Very solid career.

People remember him for his kick in the GF but I also remember him for his purple patch at the end of 2018.

He was in amazing form in that little period. I recall him absolutely tearing Selwood to shreds in that Elimination Final.

Jeez we were good. Just really good.

Will never forget that steal off the Human Headline that started our run. Never. Legendary.

Edited 10 hours ago10 hr by Superunknown

Retires an MFC premiership player. A hero in my book. Onya Nut

Just now, Demon Disciple said:

Retires an MFC premiership player. A hero in my book. Onya Nut

Double down on this!

174 games after being rookie listed is an outstanding effort

i wish him well in his retirement

Look after yourself Chompers.

You'll be a hero for Dees fans forever...thankyou

Thanks for the wonderful memories Nut!

Once a Demon, always a Demon!

🏆🇱🇮🥇

Sad to hear and hope he is doing ok.

Always will have a soft spot for Harmesy. That kick in the GF was incredible and set us away on a bairnstorming comeback. He always gave his all for us. Sometimes limited by his skills, but couldn't fault his effort.

Hope the Nut is doing OK.

All the Best to James, lifetime Demon

A very solid player. 174 games

Overlooked in the draft before being rookied in 2014 to the team he barracked for as a kid. He had to bide his time before debuting late the next year. Silenced the non believers by getting a Rising Star nom in 2016.

He showed us he could play over the years and deserverved his place in our star studded Premiership team. More than that, he refused to accept us losing that day with one the best gathers and kicks that I have seen. That play will always be catalyst to us winning the flag IMO.

He has shown that he has what it takes overcome adversity. Whatever challenges he is experiencing ATM I know he can get through them, because he has shown us that he can.

Hopefully our club is being there for him. I know there is a literal army of supporters that would be. A true Demon hero.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1RaH65eEGv/?mibextid=wwXIfr

I believe that we will all remember James Harmes for that magnificent gather and kick to Fritta’s advantage at the critical time in the game that changed the momentum and turned the game in our favour. We wish you well Harmsey and hope to see you back around the club when you are ready to rejoin your Demon family.

Thanks Harmesy for your efforts in Red and Blue, Premiership Demon in 21 and a great servant during your tenure with us.

All the best to you in life after footy.

5 minutes ago, DeeZone said:

I believe that we will all remember James Harmes for that magnificent gather and kick to Fritta’s advantage at the critical time in the game that changed the momentum and turned the game in our favour. We wish you well Harmsey and hope to see you back around the club when you are ready to rejoin your Demon family.

Also willing to come off the ground in that GF to give another player (James Jordan) a run.

Played the game with the right spirit and attitude. Gave his all. Gutsy and determined, but fair as they come. Good luck with the next stage, Harmesy!

A premiership player at the club he supported as a kid growing up…every kid’s dream! They can NEVER take that away from him.

Onya Harmesy, as honest as they come.