But Beams’ early pre-season form suggests that 2013 could well prove his breakout year.
It comes off the back of a blistering finish to his 2012 campaign, which saw the 21 year-old collect a team-high 26 disposals against the Western Bulldogs in the senior team’s final match of the AFL season, before helping lead the Lions Reserves’ to the NEAFL Premiership with a best-on-ground performance in the State League Grand Final.
Senior Coach Michael Voss recently acknowledged Beams as one of the Club’s standouts over summer.
“Claye Beams is one guy who probably had a so-so pre-season last year, but he’s been in the top five trainers (this year),” Voss said.
“The way he’s approached his training, he’s one of the guys that has really stepped up.”
But Beams hasn’t been the only player to have found an extra gear this pre-season – with Voss revealing that a number of Lions have been impressive on the track.
“Fortunately, I think more (players) have actually stepped up to plate, rather than anyone standing out. We certainly have a number of guys who have been doing well in that department,” Voss said.
“I thought Daniel Rich had an outstanding pre-season last year and really stood head and shoulders above a lot of players.”
“He’s still training at that same intensity, but more are actually joining him to that standard now.”
