Captain Dayne Beams led the Brisbane Lions to Tasmania to escape Queensland’s unforgiving heat for a week-long INC pre-season camp.

The team arrived in Launceston late last night and had their first training run at University of Tasmania Stadium earlier this morning.

“It’s nice to be able to come here and train in the cooler weather and get a taste for Tassie,” Beams said.

“Today was just about getting our legs going again and getting ready for a solid week before we go on our Christmas break.” 

For Beams, the time off-field in Tasmania is as critical as the time is on-field, with lots of time spent learning structures and the game plan for next year.

With daughter Ruby keeping him busy in Brisbane, Beams does not have as much time as others to socialise with teammates.

But when bunking down with them at camp, he quickly becomes accustomed.

“You get to understand each others mannerisms,” Beams said.

“If they’re pigs. If they’re clean. But it’s really good. You get to bond and hang out with the guys more than I would at home.”

This includes the Club’s six new draftees and two recruits, who the Captain says have brought great energy to the group.

“There are some new faces around the footy club. Naturally, they bring a bit of enthusiasm and a fresh feel to the place.”

The whole group is united in building upon the Lions’ improvement after the 2017 season.

 “We are all really eager to learn as a group again and take steps forwards in 2018.”