A toned and tanned James Harmes in great shape for 2019 season
James Harmes won’t become complacent in 2019 after a superb breakout season as a tagger, and the proof is that chiselled six-pack he flaunted on Instagram.
Melbourne
Don't miss out on the headlines from Melbourne. Followed categories will be added to My News.
James Harmes knew it was the kind of “Insta-brag” social media post likely to incite strong responses from his Melbourne teammates.
During a trip to Bali last month he posted a shot of himself in budgie-smugglers on an inflatable unicorn with his six-pack rippling in the sun.
Teammate Christian Petracca’s reply said it all: “WTF.”
RULE CHANGES: PLAYERS, CLUBS WHO WILL HAVE EDGE
KOKODA TRIP: HAWKS TAKE TOUGH TRACK TO SUCCESS
MEMBERSHIP: TIGER ARMY GROWING TO RECORD NUMBERS
Yet if Harmes had just enjoyed a superb breakout season as a tagger who won his own ball, don’t expect him to become complacent.
The proof is that chiselled six-pack.
Harmes returned to Melbourne last week in ripping nick, despite a month with little training after post-season shoulder surgery.
The 23-year-old said he was hungry to build on 2018’s gains.
The two brilliant finals wins might have realised a lifetime dream, but they were dulled by West Coast’s 66-point preliminary final annihilation.
“Yeah, I copped it for that photo. It blew up more than I thought,” Harmes said.
“It was even on the news. I had people sending me news articles about it. I knew I would cop some stick, but I don’t really take things to heart. I like to have a bit of fun.
“Goody (coach Simon Goodwin) did say I was looking good.
“I had my skinfolds done today. They are 43, I came back at 45, so there are no dramas there. I used to come back a bit chubby, but I have learnt what I can and can’t eat.”
Harmes’ off-season has been full of grand adventures in the US, fitting reward after earning a new two-year contract and third placing in the best-and-fairest award.
The feeling the Demons could have done better gnawed at him overseas.
“A lot of the boys felt that West Coast loss was a really disappointing way to end the year. It has fuelled us to come back and be fitter and stronger to get the best out of themselves,” Harmes said.
He also found a lift in profile can open doors.
The New Balance-sponsored Harmes sat courtside at a Boston Celtics NBA game last month and toured the footwear company’s headquarters.
But an increased awareness of his football abilities will provide challenges next year.
“Some clubs might put a bit more time into me, people didn’t know about me (as a tagger) until later in the year,” he said. “I will keep things simple and lock away my opponent and then try to work off him.
“Usually when I am around the ball I am OK at winning it so I will keep it simple and see how I go. I definitely look at it more as a head-to-head and beat him offensively.”
Harmes knows recruits such as Steven May will have a big impact next year, but in a week of training it has been Braydon Preuss who has caught his eye.
“May has been great, Kade Kolodjashnij has been outstanding and really impressive with his endurance and ball use, but big Preussy is a big boy. He is already challenging Max Gawn,” Harmes said. “There is no doubt we can play two rucks and it’s exciting to see what they can do together.”
jon.ralph@news.com.au
Originally published as A toned and tanned James Harmes in great shape for 2019 season
Track Watch: Key Dee down, more battling injury concerns
An important Demon had to be carted off the training track after going down with a painful injury, as the Dees count the cost of some stars being MIA during pre-season.
Kozzie the Docker? Don’t count on it, says Goodwin
As trade talk continues to bubble away, Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says Kysaiah Pickett is engaged as he’s even seen – and that the Dees won’t entertain that conversation.