FRESHLY recovered from a full knee reconstruction, Brisbane Lion Claye Beams has quickly turned his attention to making a big impact in 2014.
Beams missed all-but the first two matches of last season after a training mishap led to a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
But the 22-year-old attacked his rehabilitation at full steam and has been given the surgeon's all clear to play football two months ahead of schedule.
He took part in the Lions' first full-contact hit-out last week, and although a bit rusty, was just delighted to be mixing it up on the field again.
He is expected to play a full NAB Challenge match against Gold Coast on February 23.
Beams has plenty on his plate this season, not only trying to regain his place in the Lions' best 22, but also playing for a new contract.
It doesn't daunt the laid-back Gold Coaster.
"I reckon the best year of footy I had was in my first year when I was a rookie and I wasn't guaranteed a spot on the list let alone a senior game," Beams said.
"Being out of contract at the end of the year (as well), they're two tough challenges.
"I've got to play footy to retain my spot on the list. I look forward to the challenge ahead."
Beams had to endure watching from the sidelines last year as the Lions struggled early, before winning 10 games to just miss the finals.
He had a training ally in former rookie Stephen Wrigley who was also overcoming a knee reconstruction, and the friendly ear of Brent Staker who had recently been through the same procedure.
"It was tough, but when you do something like that, early days you just have to accept that you're not going to play the rest of the season," Beams said.
"You just get stuck into your rehab. I attacked it pretty hard and hence why I'm a few months ahead of schedule.
"Mentally was the hardest part. I started off well last year then come round three I was out for the rest of the year. It was pretty disappointing.
"No doubt there's frustrations there, but what can you do? They're the cards you've been dealt. You've got to deal with them and come out the other end as best as you can."
Beams has his hands full winning back a spot as a midfielder/half-forward, with Sam Mayes cementing a spot and the addition of draftee James Aish since his injury.
But fully fit and in-form, there's little doubt Beams is in the Lions' best unit.
He has played just 15 games in three injury-interrupted seasons, but has shown he can mix it at AFL level with his mixture of aggression, pace and good ball use.
"I just want to play a full season of footy, that's it for me," he said.
"Once that ball goes up and the siren goes, you forget about everything else and just start playing footy. I'm confident I'll be OK."
