IN THE myriad of stories of Collingwood's 2012 season to date - Nathan Buckley's coaching, Travis Cloke's future, injuries to a litany of stars, Eddie versus Mick - the loss of Luke Ball to a season ending knee injury has been perhaps the most stark and devastating to Magpie fans.

But from the wreckage of Ball's round three ACL tear has come the rise and rise of midfield dynamos Steele Sidebottom and Dayne Beams.

Sidebottom's lift in form has been spoken about at length.

Beams' impact has been less heralded, but no less important.

The 22-year-old Queenslander averaged just under 23 possessions a game in 2011. In 2012, that number has risen to almost 28.

Since Ball's injury, Beams is averaging almost 31 disposals a match. He is ranked 10th in the AFL for possessions this season.

On Friday night against the Cats, Beams and Sidebottom were again crucial to getting the Pies home.

Sidebottom finished the night with a game-high possessions 38 possession. Beams had 28 touches and four tackles.

Both were superb and caused Geelong coach Chris Scott headaches throughout the night.

Beams told AFL.com.au after the match he is enjoying the extra work asked of him since Ball's injury.

"When 'Bally' was in the side I spent a lot of time forward," Beams said.

"It's an opportunity I'm really enjoying.

"It's hard to try and replicate Bally's game but if I can just do the little things right and learn from the guys we've got in there like 'Pendles' and 'Swanny' it's going to help the team.

"I've worked a lot on my centre bounce work and that was something that I needed to improve to get in there (the midfield)."

And while he has been missing on the field, Ball is fulfilling an important off-field role mentoring Beams and Sidebottom in their new roles.

"The first couple of games [after Ball's injury], 'Bally' sent me a couple of text messages just saying well done and that sort of stuff, which gives you great confidence when you have a leader at our footy club doing that."

Beams is welcoming the turn in fortunes after his 2011 season was hampered by injuries. He missed six games mid-season with a fractured foot, and then made the courageous and selfless decision to rule himself unavailable for Collingwood's Grand Final team because of a groin strain.

His pre-season was also punctuated with injury, making Beams worry more about getting a game then where he might eventually play.

"I didn't play a lot of the lead up matches. It (a midfield role) wasn't something I thought of.

"I did think I might play a little bit more in there but obviously with the unfortunate situation with Bally going down it's opened up a chance for guys like myself and Steele."

Beams said he is particularly happy to see Sidebottom's growth.

"He's my best mate at the club. I spend a fair bit of time with him, he only lives around the corner.

"It's great to see him doing well."

Friday night's 12-point win gave the Pies a 6-2 record for the season, and has them hammering towards another crack at a premiership.

Without Luke Ball, Beams and Sidebottom will be key drivers in that tilt.

And Beams, for one, is looking forward to what the rest of the season brings.

"I've got a bit of work to do still, but I'm still learning and hopefully I can develop into one of our mainstays in there."