Originally playing for Rovers, he switched to Perth after the club folded midway through the 1898 season.

He represented the Perth Football Club in their inaugural WAFA season and topped their goal kicking in 1904.

Before crossing to the VFL he played in the Goldfields Football Association with Kalgoorlie City and was the league's 'Best and fairest' winner in 1905.

In his four seasons at St Kilda he struggled with injuries but captained the club in 1907, to their first ever finals appearance, and at the beginning of 1908.

A four-time Victorian interstate representative, Wells was picked to captain his state in a match against South Australia in 1912 but had withdraw due to an injury.