In a year in which the teenager played 18 senior matches and also picked up a NAB Rising Star nomination, he looked a hardened, ready-made player.
The former concreter from the Gold Coast seemingly made the transition to playing with the big boys far easier than most in their first season at senior level.
A year playing among men at Southport in the Queensland state league had perhaps readied his body, and mind, before shifting to the Lexus Centre.
But Beams, who turns 20 next week, returned to pre-season training not content with what he had achieved in his first year in Magpie colours. Instead, he had some very firm targets laid out after enjoying his off-season break.
“I probably played senior footy before most of the other boys, but I still had a light frame and I still didn’t really have much strength behind me,” he told collingwoodfc.com.au.
“I’ve put on about six kilos, so I’m a bit heavier than what I was last year.
“I’ve been able to hit the gym pretty hard this year and I’ve had goals set out for me by our strength and conditioning coach. I want to be playing at around 85 [kg], and I’m almost there at the moment.”
Those who have been down to Gosch’s Paddock to watch the Pies train will have noticed the beefed-up Beams.
The trunk and arms, with the trademark tattoo-sleeved arm, seem to have gained in size.
“I was playing at about 79kg last year and I’m at about 84.5kg on the scales at the moment, so I’ve put on five or six
“In our full transition work that we’ve been doing and our stoppage work, I’ve been feeling a lot stronger around the footy. I’m not getting bumped off it as much and I’m able to hold my ground a bit more.
“I think it’s definitely going to help my footy and the role that I want to play in the team - I have to be strong.
Not even a slight back niggle have slowed him down.
In fact Beams has maintained his running times, something the youngster was concerned about before embarking on his weight-gaining mission.
Adding muscle and not losing speed is a delicate juggling act for any footballer, but he has so far been happy with his progress.
“That was my main concern before putting on size, but my times are still what they were last year,” he said.
“I’m still holding myself in the top five for the 2km [time trial], so I’ve been pretty happy with it. I know as long as I can keep that up and maintain that balance, it’s good.”
Now, with his body in supreme condition, he is looking forward to building on the platform of his solid maiden year in the system, in which he averaged 18 disposals and more than two tackles a game.
And he also believes greater things lie ahead for his side in 2010.
The acquisition of key recruits Darren Jolly and Luke Ball means competition for a spot in the Magpies' engine room will be stiffer, but Beams is excited by the prospect of playing with the duo.
“They’re [Jolly and Ball] going to be fantastic, I think, for our set up around the midfield,” Beams said.
“You know Jols is going to give us first use of the footy and obviously Bally is a strong body and with his experience … for guys like me and Steele [Sidebottom] and some younger blokes coming through, I think he’s going to be great for us and great for the team.”
“All the boys are really excited and looking forward to it.”
