THE SIMPLE act of a footballer handing a ball to a fan in the stands after the game can bring so much joy.

Melbourne's James Harmes knows the impact he can have with this kind of gesture with his long-standing bond with Demons fan Jon Amos highlighted in the best possible fashion on the weekend.

When he was a little less mature and far more naïve, Harmes handed Amos a footy after his first win in red and blue against Brisbane in round 16, 2015.

Since that moment Harmes has been Amos' favourite player and their relationship has grown over several years, with the staunch Melbourne supporter even having the opportunity to tour the club's headquarters and meet the players during last year's finals series.

For Harmes, whose professionalism was questioned in a brutally honest meeting with then coach Paul Roos and football manager Josh Mahoney halfway through his first season in 2014, this is his way of understanding the importance of being a role model.

At that time, the rookie-listed Harmes' career at Melbourne was in the balance with his tenure at the club no certainty to continue.

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"If they (Roos and Mahoney) had have made that decision (to delist Harmes), things could have been really different for me. To be playing AFL footy, it's great to be able to give back to the community and give back to people less fortunate than me," Harmes told AFL.com.au.

"It really makes me happy that I can do that and I hope that makes him (Amos) happy as well."

That meeting with Roos and Mahoney was a turning point in Harmes' career and his life, with the 23-year-old now a key member of the Demons team and its emerging midfield.

Harmes produced a season-best display in Melbourne's five-point win over Hawthorn on Saturday, gathering 31 disposals and kicking a vital goal while also nullifying the influence of dangerous Hawks midfielder Jaeger O'Meara.

That moment with Amos, after such a gritty win that helped keep Melbourne's season alive, was one Harmes will cherish as well.

"That's the higher purpose of football," Harmes said.

"We're football players but the fans get as much enjoyment out of us winning as we do as well. To see a smile on his face after the game was incredible."

Shoulder surgery over pre-season and a finger injury sustained in the JLT Community Series meant Harmes, in his own words, was slightly "underdone" leading into the season.

However, the midfielder recaptured his best form against the Hawks as he returned to a specific run-with-role on O'Meara and he received maximum votes in the AFL Coaches' Association award for his efforts.

Harmes, who has now played 76 career matches for Melbourne, finished third in Melbourne's best and fairest award last season and he admits he struggled to find his best form with the team playing so poorly.

"At the end of last year was when I was playing my best footy I was running with someone and then using my offensive tools as well," Harmes said.

"I have found it a little bit. When the team's not going as well, it's harder to play well yourself. Now I feel like the team is starting to play better footy, hopefully it's a little easier for me to get a kick."

Harmes also breathed a big sigh of relief following the nail-biting win over Hawthorn, with the midfielder giving away two crucial 50m penalties for venturing into the protected area. 

"I was a bit scared. I thought if we lose by a goal here, I'm probably going to be in a bit of strife," Harmes said.

"A bit of a lack of concentration on my behalf there, so I'll definitely be going over the rule book this week to sort that one out."