New Brisbane Lions captain Dayne Beams has been lauded on Melbourne radio for setting the example of the fresh direction that the Club is heading.

Beams – one of nine new AFL captains this year – has been praised by former St Kilda and North Melbourne midfielder Nick Dal Santo, now a regular TV and radio commentator.

“It is very difficult to analyse these guys and critique them because we are from the outside, but the one I like is (Dayne) Beams at Brisbane,” Dal Santo said on SEN Breakfast.

“I like a few things they’ve done up there, they’ve obviously had the win, which has got them off to a good start.

Gallery: v St Kilda

“A lot of things were said about Beams and (former captain) Rockliff and how that was going to work internally, and there was a lot of talk about their relationship, Rockliff taking the back seat.

“But I just love the way both of them have come out and played their footy this year. It’s not always about getting possessions, but Beams for me has stood out.”

Dal Santo said his performances have shown what the Lions have missed out on during his injury ravaged 2016, where he played just two games.

“We know he’s a quality player, he’s missed a lot of football through injury, not his fault in some ways, but he’s been really good for me,” he said.

“He’s been a highlight in a team that needs somebody like him.”