The Player - Gives the impression that he is a 200-gamer instead of the 21-year-old he is, such has been his transition to senior football. Slotted into the Collingwood midfield in 2009 and has barely missed a beat since. Is skillful around the packs where his hardness and no-fuss approach means he can win the contested ball, but he is also effective in attack.
2011
A mixed season. Started well with 26 disposals and three goals against North Melbourne in round two, but was omitted after a quiet Anzac Day. Proved his worth against Geelong in the VFL in round seven, winning 32 disposals and kicking one goal.
Returned in round nine but broke his foot a fortnight later against St Kilda and spent the next seven weeks in the grandstand. Hit form immediately against the Bombers in round 19 and had between 25-31 disposals in the next six matches. Went into the preliminary final against Hawthorn with groin soreness and paid the price, doing further damage and was eventually subbed off at three quarter time with only two handballs to his name.
He stood down from the team ahead of the Grand Final as a result of the injury, upholding the legacy of Simon Prestigiacomo and putting the team ahead of himself.
2010
Named as an emergency for round one but returned in round two and didn’t miss a game from there on. Averaged 20.4 disposals and kicked 26 goals to run sixth in the Copeland Trophy, and walked away with a premiership medallion in only his second season.
Struggled to convert in front of goal, notably late in the game against Hawthorn in round 22 (26.32 for the season). His form tapered in the last six weeks, but it didn’t detract from a brilliant season for such a young player.
Kept the side in the game against Geelong in round nine when he kicked four of the team’s six goals. Received two Brownlow votes against Carlton in round 18.
2009
Showed promise in the NAB Cup but missed selection in round one. Was forced to drive up the highway from a VFL practice match at Kardinia Park to make a rushed debut the following week against Melbourne at the MCG when Dale Thomas was a late withdrawal. Beams looked right at home, winning 18 disposals and goaling for the first time.
Played 18 games in his debut season, earned a Rising Star nomination in round 17 after the win over Carlton, and his performance peaked in round 20 when he had 30 disposals (and two Brownlow votes) against Richmond. He received maximum Brownlow votes the following week in the win over Sydney.
Was sidelined from the Adelaide semi final with a calf strain but returned for the preliminary final. Played three matches in the VFL. Won the Harry Collier Trophy as Best First Year Player.
2008
Played for Southport in the QAFL. Represented Queensland at the U18 National Championships, where he averaged 24 disposals. Played three games for the Queensland Scorpions in the TAC Cup. Opted not to sign with his native Gold Coast ahead of their entry into the AFL in 2011 and instead tried his luck in the National Draft.
His decision was vindicated when Collingwood drafted him with selection 29. Admitted post-draft that he had always wanted to join Collingwood. Was the only Queenslander to attend the AFL Draft Camp.
2007
Made his senior debut for Southport aged 17. Was runner-up in the Southport U18 Best and Fairest.
2006
Represented Queensland at the state U16 carnival.
2005
Represented Queensland at the state U15 carnival.
2002
Represented Queensland at the state U12 carnival.
1997
Played his first season of football for Mudgeeraba, Queensland.
1994
Moved from Victoria to the Gold Coast.
Debut
Round 2 2009 v Melbourne at the MCG.
Milestones
- 50th Game - Round 10 2011 v West Coast at the MCG.
Draft History
2008 AFL Draft 2nd round selection (Collingwood) No. 29 overall.
