Dayne Beams' availability is a mouth-watering proposition for the Brisbane Lions, who have rarely had their prized midfielder on the park since he arrived prior to the 2015 season.
While most of his teammates are on leave, Beams was at New Farm Park yesterday, well into his rehabilitation from knee tendinitis and on schedule to return in 2017.
“It’s been a long 12 months dating back to August of last year when I had the shoulder done and then obviously the knee has popped up from there,” said Beams.
“It’s been well documented throughout the year about my knee troubles. I’ve had two bouts of surgery now. One being in December last year and the other in July. It’s been a slow process but whatever Julian (Dr. Julian Fellows) has done in the last bout of surgery seems to have done the job.”
“I’ve basically been running for the last four weeks and will continue throughout this off-season until pre-season starts. It’s nice to be back on my feet again and running. It’s been a long time so I’m really enjoying that side of things.”
Beams played just six quarters of football this season before requiring knee surgery for troublesome tendinitis. When the midfielder returned, however, he was back to his brilliant best collecting 30 touches and kicking a goal against Port Adelaide in Round 7.
“One of the most frustrating things being a professional athlete is that you get paid to perform and I haven’t been able to do that due to injury.
“I played six quarters this year and it’s been quite difficult to watch the boys, especially when the team has struggled this year.
“We’ve got a lot of young guys out there that I’d love to helping and trying to progress their careers as quick as possible to help us build up the ladder.”
The Lions have the youngest list in the competition and debuted nine players in 2016. While injured, the vice-captain has relished the opportunity to help out the Club’s developing youngsters where he can, while also preparing for the birth of his first child with wife Kelly.
“I’ve just really had a heavy focus of trying to influence the group in a positive way off the field whether that be through my rehab or just in my day to day life that can hopefully hold me in good stead in years to come.
“It’s worked out well in a way with my knee that I’m not actually able to go on holidays this year with Kelly about to give birth to our first child.
“It’s given me a chance to really focus on my knee and comeback to playing footy next year and do what I love doing but most importantly being able to come home to Kelly and hopefully look forward to some exciting news soon.”
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