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Premiership midfielder Dayne Beams has opened up to CTV’s Nick Hulett about his selfless decision to step down from the 2011 Grand Final side due to injury.

Beams, 21, went into the preliminary final against Hawthorn with a sore groin, but only realised the extent of the damage during the match.

“I sort of had it (groin injury) going into the Hawthorn game and I just thought I could play through it,” Beams reflected after a tiring session at the NAU Field in Arizona during Collingwood’s two-week pre-season camp.

“I really lost all power in my running and that sort of thing. I got a scan after the Hawthorn game and I had a little nick in it, so I thought it was best if I step aside and let someone else come in.”

Beams was subbed out of the match at three-quarter time with only two handballs to his name.

“I didn’t want to put in another one of those performances as well, carrying a groin injury, so it was a tough decision.”

The experience of watching his team lose the Grand Final from the grandstand will churn in Beams’ belly for a while yet, but he is energised by the prospect of a fresh start in 2012.

“You obviously play footy to play in Grand Finals and when you’ve got to miss one it’s hard. I’ve got a new year now and a new coach - actually, a lot of new coaches - so it’s an exciting time for the footy club.”

Those new coaches, particularly senior coach Nathan Buckley and midfield assistant Robert Harvey, are already busy tinkering the Collingwood engine room.

It’s the area of the ground where Beams feels he can best contribute as he heads into his fourth season.

“I think Robert Harvey’s career speaks for itself, and to have him come in and take over the midfield, it’s a big plus for guys like myself, Blairy (Jarryd Blair), Steele (Sidebottom). His experience is going to be really good for us,” Beams enthused.

“And it’s exciting. Bucks has brought new energy. He loves his footy and he loves coaching, so it’s an exciting time.”

The objective for Beams' pre-season is clear; improved fitness levels will lead to greater time spent in the midfield, something he believes will benefit from.

“My main aim is to try and get in the midfield more and play more time through there. It all starts here.

“I’ve got to get a bit fitter and be able to run out games in the midfield which is going to help me a long way to achieving my goal in playing there next year.”