DAYNE Beams is not buying into any personal rivalry against Collingwood but says he'll be happy to stir the pot with ex-teammates ahead of Saturday night's clash with the Magpies at the Gabba.
Beams is just days away from playing his first premiership match in Brisbane Lions colours since his big off-season move, but was not biting on Monday when pressed about the significance of playing Collingwood first up.
The 25-year-old premiership player and Copeland Trophy winner was relaxed but tight-lipped, saying the match was just like any other.
Preview: Brisbane Lions v Collingwood
However, Beams said it wouldn't stop him firing a few cheeky text messages to former teammates at a club he played 110 games at.
"The texts haven't really started. I might start that tonight actually, get it going a little bit," Beams said with a laugh to a packed media contingent at the Gabba.
"I spent six years there, I've got some really good friendships, not only within the playing group but the medical staff, these sorts of guys who I've got some really good relationships with.
"It's going to be interesting, I’m really looking forward to it. It's exciting."
Beams said he had thoroughly enjoyed his first pre-season in Brisbane, having moved away from the fishbowl that surrounded the competition's biggest club.
But the classy midfielder was unsure what reception he'd get from the Magpies.
"Who knows, you'll have to ask ‘Bucks’ (Magpies coach Nathan Buckley),” he chuckled.
"We've got a number of guys that are going to attract a lot of attention, so that'll be up to them as to who they go after.
"I guess you guys (media) are going to beat it up like it's me versus my old side, but I've got a job to do for my new side now, so it should be a good challenge for us.
"It'll be different running around against them, but it should be fun at the same time and hopefully we can get a win."
The game should also help Beams fulfil a lifelong ambition of playing alongside younger brother Claye, who is all-but assured of being named at half-back after a strong pre-season.
Beams saved one final laugh when asked which Collingwood star he'd prefer to stand alongside in a dream centre-square match-up – Dane Swan or Scott Pendlebury.
"Swanny would be good for a laugh, so I might stand next to Swanny,” he said.
