To think that he would one day be lining up alongside his childhood hero was once considered just a pipedream.
Even now, as he approaches his third season with the Lions, Beams says that he’s still in awe of his most highly credentialed team-mate.
“My favourite player at the Club would have to be Blacky - I grew up idolising him,” Beams revealed during his live online chat with Lions fans on Wednesday.
Beams also said that he hopes to follow in Black’s footsteps by eventually finding a spot in the Lions’ midfield.
“My favourite position is through the midfield because I like to be able to run,” he said.
Despite missing most of 2011 with a foot injury, the 20 year-old believes that a gruelling pre-season program has put him in good stead for a productive season.
“I was able to put on some weight as I was a skinny bloke, so I’m happy with that,” Beams said.
“The foot is going really well. It took a bit of time to get over, but now it’s all sweet - touch wood!”
As the Club approaches an emotion-filled season opener against Melbourne at the MCG this Saturday, Beams assured fans that the team had its sights firmly set on defeating the Demons.
“Obviously Jim Stynes was a Legend of the game and a well-respected person in the footy community, but we have a job to do and that’s to bring back the four points.”
CLICK HERE to read the full transcript from Claye Beams’ live chat with fans.
