Collingwood Magpies

Collingwood confirms three more departures

“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.” ❤️

Published by
Ben Cotton

Collingwood have confirmed three more list changes ahead of next month's AFL draft.

The retirement of Dayne Beams has been formalised, while Rupert Wills and Flynn Appleby have been informed that they won't be offered new contracts for 2021.

A settlement has been reached between Beams and the club for the final two years of a four-season contract he signed at the end of 2018 after returning from Brisbane.

The star midfielder played 177 AFL games for the Magpies and Lions, originally moving clubs at the end of 2014 to be with his sick father.

He hangs up the boots as a premiership player, two-time best and fairest winner and All Australian.

“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 told collingwoodfc.com.au.

“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.

“I have many team-mates and staff at Collingwood to thank for helping me through a particularly tough time. The club’s understanding, patience and care were always there and the fact we were able to come to a mutual agreement is important to me.

“Many at Brisbane also shared and supported me through my journey. I thank the Lions.

“And to Kelly, the kids and my family - I am full of love and admiration for all of you.”

Pies football boss Geoff Walsh thanked Beams for his service to the club.

“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.”

Walsh said that Wills and Appleby were both valued members at Collingwood and wished them good luck for the future.

“Collingwood thanks Rupert and Flynn for their dedication, persistence and great character. Both experienced tough luck with injuries and endured extended periods out of the game but fought their way back.

“It was a credit to them and we wish them well. They are made of good stuff.”

The trio join Matthew Scharenberg, Tim Broomhead, retirees Lynden Dunn, Ben Reid and Travis Varcoe, Kangaroos-bound Atu Bosenavulagi and Jaidyn Stephenson, Hawks recruit and new Bulldog Adam Treloar in departing the club this off-season.

Published by
Ben Cotton