Bulldogs veteran calls time on AFL career

Sam Edmund • February 10th, 2026 2:51 pm

James Harmes has announced his retirement from the AFL.

Harmes today told his Western Bulldogs teammates of his decision, calling an end to a 174-game premiership-winning career that started at Melbourne in 2014.

Harmes had endured a difficult off-season, taking indefinite leave from the Dogs to work through personal issues.

Despite training well pre-Christmas, the midfielder did not return to the club after the three-week break and was absent from the Dogs’ Noosa camp.

The 30-year-old had been in and out of Luke Beveridge’s side over the past two seasons.

His three-year contract was due to expire at the end of 2026.

Harmes was a member of the Demons’ 2021 Grand Final side that defeated the Dogs in Perth.

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