CTV> Dayne Beams speaks to CTV after training at Gosch's Paddock about his start to his excellent 2009 pre-season campaign

Dayne Beams understands that even if he is selected to play in Friday night’s NAB Cup grand final against Geelong, his place in the senior side for round one of the home and away season is no certainty.

“Its early days still... and obviously if I get a game this week I just have to play well again,” Beams told CTV at Gosch’s Paddock on Tuesday.

“I am not expecting to play round one but if it happens its fantastic and if it doesn’t I will go back to the VFL and work hard and try to get in for the next week.”

Collingwood’s second pick (29th overall) in the 2008 AFL draft has excelled in his two games for the club during the preseason.  The 19-year-old has averaged 16 disposals and has kicked two goals including a super goal in last Friday’s semi-final win against Essendon.

“I don’t know how that one went through.  I just put it on the boot and hoped.  It was lucky enough it went through.”

Since his arrival at the club late last year, Beams has worked closely with teammate and club vice-captain Scott Pendlebury.

“His (Pendlebury) worth ethic and professionalism is something I have noticed since I have been at the club.  I have tried to pick those people out that do those sorts of things really well and he does those things really well.

“I try to just get around him and learn as much as I can off him.

“He is closer to my age and is someone who is easy to talk to.”

While the young Magpie is yet to play a game under Michael Malthouse due to the club’s rotational coaching policy during the pre-season competition, the senior coach has imparted his knowledge of the game on the aspiring midfielder.

“Mick’s been pretty good in the way that he has given me feedback.

“I am one that likes a lot of feedback so I can go away and work on those areas that I need to develop.

“I missed a few tackles on Friday night and Mick came up to me and gave me advice on how to fix it and I will go away now and do as much as I can to do it better this Friday night.”