Melbourne to move midfielder James Harmes into a new role
Melbourne will unleash James Harmes in a new position this season with the Demons hoping his running power can address an area of weakness on the field.
Melbourne
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Melbourne midfielder James Harmes is set to move into a rebounding half-back role in one of coach Simon Goodwin’s tactical changes for the new season.
Harmes emerged as one of the Dees top ballwinners in the past two seasons and has often played a selfless tagging role on the opposition’s most damaging onballer.
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But the former rookie will start 2020 at half-back and has spent pre-season training with the defensive group.
It is hoped Harmes’ running power can sharpen the Demons’ counter-attacking transition game and bolster their scoring power from the back half.
It is a considerable move from Goodwin considering Harmes’ importance in the middle, ranking second for disposals and third for clearances last year.
But Goodwin wants to find a better balance in 2020 as part of plans to shoot back up the ladder.
Harmes’ move out of the engine room will also help create more time for hard nut Angus Brayshaw in an onball position after the helmeted ballwinner spent large chunks on the wing.
It also means former co-captain Jack Viney would be given tagging responsibilities in the middle of the ground which naturally suits his combative inside game.
Harmes had career-highs in disposals (25), contested possessions (11) and score involvements (5.3) last season.
While the Demons are regarded as having some of the best inside midfielders in the game, their outside running game was a considerable weakness in 2019.
But the Demons want Harmes to ignite possessions chains from the defence and connect up with new wingmen Ed Langdon and Adam Tomlinson, both regarded highly for their endurance.
