The 22-year-old, who signed a three-year contract extension this week, is having a standout season since stepping into the midfield and filling the breach left by the injured Luke Ball.
Beams said the decision to withdraw from last year's Grand Final team because of groin soreness was pushing him to seek redemption this time around.
Read about Beams' new three-year deal.
"It wasn't the greatest result for me last year but when I think about it now, it wasn't a hard decision at all; you always put the team first," Beams said.
"When I leave the game, that's what I'd like to see myself as - a team player.
"Really, it probably has given me a little bit of hunger this year that I want to get there again and play in another one because I know how special it feels."
Beams had two possessions to three-quarter time in last year's preliminary final win over Hawthorn after struggling through the game with his groin issue.
He tearfully told then-coach Mick Malthouse on the Wednesday of Grand Final week he didn't think he could get through the decider against Geelong.
His pre-season then hit a snag when he was sidelined with a mystery shin complaint that kept him off the track for five weeks and saw him miss the NAB Cup.
Read Beams' take on paying the price to remain a Magpie.
After playing his first game for the year in round two against Richmond, Beams has averaged more than 30 disposals a game and is ranked sixth in the League in that department, as well as second at the club for goals scored.
"I've never had any doubt in my ability. I've probably surprised myself a bit this year with my consistency because that's always been the thing - I've played a couple of good games and then a couple of bad ones," he said.
"This year I've been able to string some real good games together for a period of time and that's probably been the most pleasing thing for me and it's given me great confidence.
"It's something I can draw back on if I'm having a bad game, that if I do the little things it helps the side.
"It's not about individual importance, if you want to put it like that ... it's about playing your role and that's what this team has really prided itself on."
Beams says his 23 goals for the season have come from his familiarity with playing in attack, having lined up across half forward in his previous three AFL seasons.
He prides himself more on the defensive work he's done this year, while the club values the time he's put in to make the successful transition into the midfield.
"Arguably, he's one of the hottest players in terms of form in the competition," director of football Geoff Walsh said.
"That's a great testament to no one else other than Dayne because he has worked extremely hard.
"To see someone who is realising the potential he has so early in his life and his footy career is great for the footy club, but more importantly I think it gives Dayne great promise he can be a great player for a decade.
"That's something that not many players who walk through the doors of AFL clubs can hang their hat on."
Jennifer Witham is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow her on Twitter @AFL_JenWitham.
