Mr.Craig's Rookie Spotlight 2014 (Index On Page 1)

[Bully]

Former GWS inside mid Anthony Miles is worth monitoring. He has looked very good at training and would have to be a front runner to replace Shane Tuck. Could be a bargain if he gets an early look in.

[Mr.Craig]

James Harmes



Dandenong Stingrays 5/10/95 185cm/78kg

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 2 Rookie Draft Melbourne

$115,200 Midfielder

2013 TAC Ave: 77

Profile

A lifelong Melbourne supporter, Harmes is an inside midfielder who is notable for his aggressive work around the stoppages. He had a few down games through the 2013 TAC season but overall was a consistent contributor with DT scores for the year of 71, 67, 35, 91, 25, 87, 100, 93, 80, 83, 102, 72, 78, 81, 93, 102 and 50. James only played two games at the Champs but performed well, averaging 63.5 DT. He seems like the type of player Melbourne need in their midfield, someone with a bit of grit and determination to help out Jack Viney. I would anticipate we'll see a bit of Harmes at some point, possibly just after the mid season rookie upgrade window.

AFL Prospectus: Harmes is an inside midfielder who had a good season last year for the Dandenong Stingrays in the TAC Cup. He averaged 100 Champion Data ranking points from his 17 matches - ranked third of any player at the club behind Billy Hartung and Zak Jones. Harmes averaged 21 disposals per game, winning the 10th most contested possessions of any player in the TAC Cup. Of the players at the club to play at least five matches, he ranked second for disposals per game, No.1 for contested possessions and clearances and third for tackles. Harmes played two matches for Vic Metro at the 2013 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, averaging 17 disposals and 86 Champion Data ranking points.

Star Community Gazette: Last year he wasn't sure if he'd remain on the Stingrays list - and had to return to Devon Meadows to work on a few things as a 17-year-old - but his return to the side in the lead-up to the 2012 finals was stellar. He returned to the team stronger and more intent on gaining the tough possessions this season - and was given that opportunity by coach Graeme Yeats through the midfield. From his 16 TAC Cup matches this season, Harmes featured in the best sporadically, but kept plugging away throughout a fairly difficult season on the track - even despite the Stingrays making the grand final. He lined up for Victoria Country in the AFL National Under'18s Championships and while the season didn't end of the best note, with the 112-point grand final loss to Eastern Ranges, he performed well at the National Combine and grabbed the attention of a couple of clubs.

Craig Black: I think Harmesy improved - I think sometimes when you coach a kid - I had a lot to do with him being in the midfield - you probably mark him pretty hard and it's not until you sit back and think 'Geez, he had a good game'. Halfway through the year he worked really hard - he got a game in the Vic Country team and was a 50/50 whether he'd get a second - and he played well. He sort of turned his game around - worked some areas as a club - and he ran some stoppages, using his pace winning a lot more footy in the second half of the year and I think he grew a bit too - in height and physically as well. He realised what he could do when he played certain roles and learned what he could do.

Fantasy Prospects

Unless Neville Jetta returns to favour it seems like Harmes is the most likely rookie to be upgraded on the Demons' list. His kick/handball ratio isn't great and he gives away plenty of frees but there are enough signs to suggest he would be a decent cash cow under the right circumstances.

Media

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/2013-11-27/rookie-draft-james-harms-highlights
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-10-20/james-harmes
http://cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au/news/2013-11-27/harmes-double-dream-comes-true/
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/south-east/lifelong-melbourne-football-club-fan-james-harmes-fulfils-his-demon-dream-through-draft/story-fngnvoeu-1226769698721

[Mr.Craig]

Dunstan definitely looking like a promising pick in Real DT, maybe even AF too.

[Ricochet]

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/st-kilda-recruit-jack-billings-back-in-full-training-after-quad-injury/story-fni5f9q3-1226806976690

ST KILDAS top draft pick Jack Billings wants to add some early-season sparkle to the Saints' forward line after a quick return from a quad problem.

Billings was dealt a nightmare pre-season blow when the No.3 selection suffered a thigh strain on the second last session of the club's altitude camp in Colorado.

But the silky ball-user, rated one of the most brilliant and creative goalkickers in the country last year, has already resumed full training, defying predictions he could be sidelined for months.

The swift comeback is a welcome boost for a man who will be one of the key pillars and public faces of club's rebuilding phase, after finishing third-last with five wins last year.

[Toga]

Interesting but I don't think he'll make it into my team, too pricey and I see him as a bit of a gamble scoring-wise tbh.

[kilbluff1985]

Jack Billings and Luke Dunstan were among players who impressed in the St Kilda Intra-Club match earlier today.

[Mr.Craig]

Excellent.

[Vinny]

Jack Billings and Luke Dunstan were among players who impressed in the St Kilda Intra-Club match earlier today.

Awesomeeee.

[specky92]

Excellent.

[Nige]

Jack Billings and Luke Dunstan were among players who impressed in the St Kilda Intra-Club match earlier today.

#Rams

[Mr.Craig]

Only just realised that the entire 2012 All Australian team have now been drafted into the AFL.

[Toga]

Jesse Hogan listed as a defender there! Interesting! :o

[Mr.Craig]

Jesse Hogan listed as a defender there! Interesting! :o

Hoges was definitely the all-rounder in the juniors. Forward, back, ruck...he was everywhere.