Harris, originally from St Peters, spent his early career with Geelong West in the Victorian Football Association (VFA).
[1][2] 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).
[1][3] 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.
[4] In 1970 he appeared in the opening four rounds of the season, then broke his collarbone and didn't play seniors again that year.
[6] During the 1972 season, Harris returned to Geelong West, where he finished the year playing in another premiership team.