Harris, originally from St Peters, spent his early career with
Geelong West in the
Victorian Football Association (VFA). A centreman, Harris was "best on ground" in Geelong West's 1968 premiership team and polled the third most votes in the Field Trophy (Second Division). He was recruited to Geelong in 1969 and after debuting in round nine remained in the side for the remainder of the season, including the club's semi final loss to Richmond. In 1970 he appeared in the opening four rounds of the season, then broke his collarbone and didn't play seniors again that year. He had an injury free
1971 season and played in all 22 rounds, amassing 369 disposals. During the 1972 season, Harris returned to Geelong West, where he finished the year playing in another premiership team. ==Coaching years==