Collingwood Magpies midfielder Dayne Beams

COLLINGWOOD star Dayne Beams has announced he will extend his break from football indefinitely after having stepped away from the Magpies late in 2019.

The 29-year-old played only nine games this year after dealing with physical and mental health issues, and was admitted to hospital in September after suffering an adverse reaction to medication.


Beams has decided to step away indefinitely after discussions with the club, his family and medical professionals.

"Trying to improve my quality of life and meet the demands of playing and training for football at the elite level continues to be a struggle," Beams told the club's website. 

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"My health and football have come to feel like competing priorities, which is not a position that is helping or enabling me to meet my responsibilities.

"I have been trying to meet this challenge for a number of years but, with a series of debilitating recent injuries and my mental health a work in progress, I have reached a point where I know that stepping away from football is necessary.

"I want to thank all who have supported me and my family. I look forward to a brighter future."

Dayne Beams at Collingwood Magpies training 2019


The Magpies have committed to help Beams and his family, giving him whatever time is required to overcome his issues.

"Dayne has made a difficult and brave call that we support completely," Collingwood chief executive Mark Anderson said.

"Collingwood will continue to support and assist Dayne, his wife Kelly and their children as Dayne works towards a return to full health."

The champion midfielder returned to Collingwood at the end of 2018 after four seasons with Brisbane.

The Magpies traded two first round selections along with a swap of later picks to get Beams back in black and white, but with his 30th birthday passing before round one 2020 and an uncertain date for any possible return to the field, it is starting to look like a costly deal.