Magpies in mood to atone: Beams
Collingwood star Dayne Beams says the Magpies are still hurting from last week's uncharacteristic performance against Adelaide and have a burning desire to fix the problems against West Coast tomorrow.
The Magpies travelled to Adelaide in great form, having won four matches in a row, but were outworked by the Crows and lost by 21 points.
Beams said the midfielders were angry Adelaide dominated the clearances and were desperate to produce their best in tomorrow's clash at the MCG.
"Every week it's talked up as a midfield battle and we were spanked in that area last week," Beams said. "We got beaten in the clearances by close to 20 so it's going to be a challenge for our midfield group.
"What I've seen from this group this year is a hunger. To put in a performance like we did last week burns inside us. We want to really respond this week and that's what our focus will be."
The Magpies boast a goal- kicking midfield, with Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom and Beams com- bining for 32 majors this year.
It is an area where they have an advantage over West Coast. Luke Shuey (eight goals) is the only Eagles midfielder to have kicked more than four goals this season.
Tomorrow's match will be Beams' 100th for the Magpies, but West Coast hope to spoil his day despite having failed to beat Collingwood at the MCG since 1995.
Beams made his debut in 2009, was a member of the 2010 premiership side and claimed the Copeland Trophy as the club's fairest-and-best player in 2012.
However, his 2013 campaign was destroyed by a recurring quad injury, sidelining him for 16 matches.
"I did it three times," Beams said. "Once that third time came around, it was pretty dark for me.
"I didn't know when I was ever going to be back playing.
"I guess they (physios) went the ultra-conservative approach after the third time.
"For me it was about putting a program in place and just sticking to it. The previous eight to nine weeks before, it'd always feel good, but it wasn't fully strengthened."
It is no coincidence that Collingwood's resurgence this season comes with Beams rediscovering his best form.
He is Collingwood's leading tackler and clearance winner, and only Pendlebury has had more disposals.
He paid tribute to Pendlebury and Luke Ball for teaching him what it took to be an elite player.
"It took me a little bit of time to understand what it takes to play AFL at a consistent level," Beams said. "I've had some really good role models around me.
"I've got two of the most professional guys I've seen in Bally and Pendles."
I've had some really good role models ... " *Dayne Beams *
