DAYNE Beams is enjoying his new life with the Brisbane Lions but the former Magpie admits there has been a culture shock associated with the move.
Beams, 24, was back in enemy territory for a sponsor's function in Collingwood on Wednesday after his surprise move to the Lions during last year's trade period.
The star onballer is enjoying a quieter existence away from the AFL spotlight of Melbourne, along with the warmer climate of Queensland.
He joked that he hadn't been asked about AFL for three months in his new home city but had spent two cab rides in Melbourne this week doing nothing but talk footy.
While he's positive about the move and the Lions' on-field prospects, he admits the club's current off-field situation has taken some adjustment.
"I've come from an organisation that probably has the best facilities in Australia but the Lions don't really have that infrastructure and probably don't have the funds to fund it," Beams said.
"(But) the thing I've been impressed most with is how we make do with what we've got.
"Our program is really good and it's run really smoothly. They've obviously put their heads together and it works really well."
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The Lions currently use a number of different training facilities in and around their home ground at the Gabba as the club investigates options for a new training base.
Beams admits he's taken a back seat as he acclimatises to his new surrounds, but will take a more prominent role as the season nears.
"All the signs at this stage, for me, are really positive," he said.
"We've got a young list and consistency is probably going to be the thing with young players.
"We'll try and get them up and if I can do a bit of mentoring or one-on-one stuff with the guys to help their performance on game day then I will."