After two years and 43 games with Subiaco in the WAFL, Chad Harris has returned to Richmond VFL.

Following his impressive debut year with the Tigers in 2019, Harris moved West to play for Subiaco after Covid forced the cancellation of the 2020 VFL Season.

His debut season in Western Australia would be a memorable one. Harris played 20 games, producing strong averages of 17.5 disposals, four marks and three tackles per game in 2021 – a season where Subiaco won the WAFL Premiership.

In front of just under 30,000 at Optus Stadium, Harris racked up 19 disposals and shine for Subiaco as they topped South Fremantle by 44 points in the grand final.

The utility was a crucial contributor to Subiaco’s premiership.

Harris enjoyed another strong season with Subiaco in 2022 before returning home to Melbourne. He played local football in Sorrento, before re-joining the VFL program for the 2024 season.

Harris hasn’t missed a beat in settling back in at Punt Road, and has taken the opportunity to rekindle some old relationships.

"It honestly hasn’t felt like I have left the place…the coaching staff have hung around for a long time," Harris said.

"Steve (Morris) actually used to be my skipper, and now he’s my coach so I’ve got a pretty good relationship with him."

Returning to Richmond VFL with a predominately young playing group around him, Harris has made it clear that he wants to spend a lot of time with the younger players.

"I am 25, so I am a bit more of a mature head here now," he said.

"I feel like I’ve got a big responsibility coming back.

"Our group is really young this year and it’s something that I’ve really made a priority - to try and develop these younger players. I’ve created some really good relationships with a lot of the young boys."

Harris spoke fondly of his time in Western Australia, and reflected on how the experience shaped his development.

"Forty-three games doesn’t sound like too much, but the work I feel like I’ve put into the Club and also myself is massive," he said.

"My first three games I honestly thought I was going to be out the door pretty quick and playing in the reserves, but I had some really good people around me at the Club.

"Obviously coming from Richmond held me in really good stead going over there. To go over there…and end up with the ultimate reward of a flag was amazing, and something I’ll never forget."

Coach Steve Morris has shown faith in Harris since his return by appointing him as a vice-captain alongside Joel Garner and Mutaz El Nour – a testament to his leadership and the positive impact he has on his teammates.

When asked what fans, teammates and coaches can expect from him this year, Harris spoke about his strengths as a player, and as a leader.

"As a football player, you can expect me to be fairly courageous…when my time is to go, I’ll go," he said.

"As a leader, just finding the balance of the fun side of it and the serious side of it.

"I feel like I’m very easy to approach… It’s something I pride myself on, so as a leader I’ll try my best to lead these boys in the right direction."