In 2017 Dayne Beams was appointed Brisbane Lions Captain and throughout the season led by example, with inspirational efforts on field.

It started in Round 1, when Beams led the Lions to their first victory of the year against the Gold Coast SUNS. Beams was awarded the Marcus Ashcroft Medal for the Q Clash’s best on ground, with 28 disposals and six tackles.

The midfielder received this medal again in the Lions’ Round 21 win over the Suns, where he finished with 32 disposals and kicked four goals. Beams is the only player to win the medal twice in the same season.

The Captain played through pain for most of the season after suffering a shoulder injury in Round 14’s loss to GWS. Beams only missed one game following his injury and required surgery immediately after the season’s end.

Despite injury setbacks, Beams still managed to finish in the Brownlow count’s Top 10, with 17 votes, the highest of all Lions players.

The Captain finished behind Dayne Zorko as the 2017 Brisbane Lions Club Champion, receiving the Nigel Lappin trophy.

Statistics:

Games: 19

Disposals per game: 27.1

Tackles per game: 4.2

Marks per game: 4.5

Kicks per game: 14.5

Total goals: 20 

Highlights:

  • Awarded the Marcus Ashcroft Award for Best and Fairest in both Q Clashes
  • Awarded the Nigel Lappin Trophy for finishing second in the Club’s Best and Fairest count
  • Finished 10th in the AFL’s Brownlow Count

Coaches’ Comment, Dale Tapping Midfield Coach  

"Returned to his best form in 2017. The responsibility of the captaincy and setting the standard with his leadership brought the best out in him as a player. The impact around stoppages and his ability to hit scoreboard as a mid is a major strength in his game."

In their own words:

“I think our fans and the broader footy world has seen that we’re heading in the right track. Certainly, the commentary has changed."

“What I can tell you is everyone’s bought in and everyone’s really optimistic about where the Club’s going. It’s a really good feeling. 

“All the boys are really keen to turn this Club around and get it back to where we need to go.

Dayne Beams speaking to media on August 22, 2017

View previous Player Reviews:

Player Reviews: Keays, Christensen, Bastinac and Robinson

Player Reviews: McCluggage, Bell and Bewick

Player Review: Harris Andrews

Player Review: Eric Hipwood 

Player Reviews: Hanley, Berry, Walker

Player Review: Dayne Zorko