It’s been a whirlwind 24 hours for James Harmes.

Yesterday morning, he woke up as a Demons player – as he has for the last 10+ years.

But this morning he woke up as a Bulldog.

Just hours after requesting a trade to the Kennel, the deal had been done and Harmes was officially part of the red, white and blue.

“It all happened pretty quick - I was sitting at lunch yesterday and got the phone call from Tim (my manager) and then Sam (Power). I’m over the moon,” Harmes said.

“It kind of feels like I’ve been drafted again. I’m not used to this much attention.”

With 150+ games and a premiership medal to his name, Harmes is no stranger to the system.

Despite this, he is still as eager as ever to learn and evolve while putting his attributes on display.

“I’m super excited to just get as fit as I can, and put my best foot forward,” he said.

“Sammy and Bevo want me to bring my athleticism and running, and contested football.

“I feel like I’ve got a bit of a point to prove with some people out there who probably doubt me a bit, so I’m looking forward to that.

“(Leadership) is something I can get better at – it’s always something I’m trying to improve.

“10 years has gone pretty quick, but I’ve been lucky enough to play in a premiership and 150 games is something I’m really proud of.

“If I can help some younger boys along the way, I’m definitely looking forward to that, and just putting my best foot forward to earn the respect of my teammates and coaches.”

A two-hour meeting with coach Luke Beveridge is ultimately what helped Harmes decide on his new Club.

“After I had the meeting with Bevo, I just felt really good,” Harmes said.

“It was actually only meant to go for an hour, but ended up going for two. I feel like he’s got a lot of confidence in me, and can get my game to a really high level.

“That’s what really appealed to me. The list that the Bulldogs have too – you’ve got the likes of Bont and Libba in the midfield, and I’m really excited to work with those guys and the rest of the boys.”