Star midfielder, Dayne Beams, has described this pre-season as one of his biggest ever as he works toward a return to footy.

After a high-profile switch from Collingwood before the 2015 season, the 26-year-old played a major role in the Lions midfield where he averaged 28 disposals, 13 contested possessions and almost seven clearances a match.

Beams missed the final five games last year after undergoing surgery to his right shoulder in August and spoke of the exhaustive rehabilitation process he endured to ensure he could return to the playing group in peak aerobic condition.

“I’ve been really diligent with the way I’ve looked after it,” Beams told The Courier-Mail.

“It’s a matter of making sure it is strong enough because the position I play, it is going to be in vulnerable situations so it has to be ready.

“Once you have a major surgery, you’ve got a major rehab and that first six weeks coming out of surgery is crucial. You have to do everything right to make sure you give yourself the best chance of strengthening it properly.

“It’s my first major surgery and I know other guys that have had the same operation have said it takes a long time to recover.”

With a six-month recovery period behind him, Beams is looking to be fitter and stronger than ever for his return.

“Mine is coming along really well but it has taken time because I want it to be ready. Nobody wants a reoccurrence of a serious injury after such a long recovery.”

The team for this Sunday’s NAB Challenge match against St Kilda in Mackay will be announced on Thursday.