Dayne Beams will have a delayed start to the 2016 season.

Football Manager Matthew Francis said Beams is expected to miss the first two rounds as he manages knee 'tendinitis'.

Beams had surgery in August to repair his shoulder, ending his 2015 season.

However as his shoulder recovered, the 26-year-old began experiencing fluid retention in his left knee.

"Dayne can train at moderate levels but when he attempts to pick the intensity up it gets a bit of fluid in it," Francis told lions.com.au.

"We're taking a cautious approach with Dayne's recovery.

"We want him back in the best possible condition."

Tom Rockliff (hamstring), Allen Christensen (finger) and Josh Green (foot) are all expected to be available for round one against the West Coast Eagles in Perth.