Collingwood midfield star Dayne Beams set to step away from the game

Collingwood star Dayne Beams is stepping away from the AFL as he focuses on his mental health and looks to “regather” himself.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 18: Dayne Beams of the Magpies celebrates kicking a goal during the round 5 AFL match between Brisbane and Collingwood at The Gabba on April 18, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Collingwood star Dayne Beams is set to step away from the game in order to focus on his mental health battle.

The midfielder returned to Collingwood this season after a four-year stint with the Brisbane Lions, but will now take an indefinite leave of absence.

A hip injury was likely to sideline him for the remainder of the home and away season, but he’s now stated he is stepping away for himself and his family.

He plans on returning to the game once he’s on top of his battles.

“I have been on the record in the past about the battles I have fought. Right now, I need to step away and regather myself,” Beams said.

“I hope people will understand that this is something I need to do for myself and, importantly, my family. Our wellbeing is the highest priority.”

Collingwood midfielder Dayne Beams has taken indefinite leave from the football program to focus on his mental health.

— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) July 3, 2019

The news comes after Beams outed a disgraceful piece of online abuse he had received via his personal Instagram account.

An initial message from a male user prodded Beams with a jab about betting.

Beams blacked out his reply, but displayed the troll’s disgusting follow-up message: “At least my dads still alive.”

The 29-year-old’s father, Phillip, died in March last year after a battle with bowel cancer, a tragic loss Beams described as the most difficult period of his life.

“Once he (Beams’ father) got sick and then obviously him passing, it sort of spiralled out of control for me a little bit,” Beams said on Fox Footy’s On the Mark last year.

Former Gold Coast player Daniel Gorringe reposted the screengrab and added a pointed message. “Wtf is wrong with people. This has to stop. I feel so sad for people who are like this, your life is so s*** that you need to jump on someone else’s social account and express how you feel because your life is terrible. Take a look at yourself.”

Beams played nine games in his return to the Magpies in 2019, averaging 25 disposals per game.

Originally published as Collingwood midfield star Dayne Beams set to step away from the game