All-Australian Dayne Beams has officially retired from AFL football after formalising an agreement with Collingwood over the remaining two years on his contract.
The 30-year-old hasn't featured for the Pies since round 11 of the 2019 season after announcing he'd be taking time away from the game to confront concerns over his mental and physical health.
"Some time ago it became apparent to me that the demands of the game, which for many years I thrived on, were not helping my recovery," Beams said in a statement on Instagram.
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"Once I understood this it was easier to put my wellbeing and that of my family first. I am a father to two lovely children and a husband to Kelly, who I owe so much to.
"Challenges remain. That's life. But with experience, understanding and the help of many people I am in a stronger position to deal with them.
"Unfortunately some things in life just don't go to plan and in the end I had to do what was best for my 2 beautiful children and my loyal loving wife and that meant mutually ending my contract with the club.
"I have had to deal with some really complex issues over the last couple of years with the help of so many including the club.
"My life right now is full of love and admiration for Kelly and the kids and I can't tell you how good that makes me feel."
Beams was part of Collingwood's 2010 premiership side and was selected in the 2012 All Australian side and collected the Pies' best and fairest award in the same year.
Drafted by the Pies with pick 29 in the 2009 draft, Beams played 110 games for the club before the Queensland native shifted to the Brisbane Lions in 2015, where he played 58 games across three seasons.
He would return to Collingwood at the end of 2018, however only managed nine games over the last two years with the club.
Collingwood GM of Football Geoff Walsh honoured Beams' contributions to the club over two stints.
“Dayne can be proud of his career, which was a very good one, and the head high manner in which he has left the game,” Walsh said.
“With the support of many people, not least his wife Kelly, Dayne has been able to meet a number of challenges that he has been very public about and which, ultimately, curtailed his career.
“His days of playing for Collingwood are over but his connection to the club is not. He is written into the pages of the club’s history as a premiership player and Copeland Trophy winner.
“We wish him and his family the very best for a healthy and happy next phase of their lives.”
