Brayden Sier ready to assume midfield spot at Collingwood, no time frame on potential Dayne Beams return

After a season where he was disciplined for playing basketball while battling a calf injury, Collingwood is gushing over the big-bodied midfielder’s pre-season, but there is no time frame for a potential Dayne Beams return.

Jon Ralph

2 min read

February 7, 2020 - 3:26PM

Brayden Sier is reportedly tearing up the track for the Pies. Picture: AAP

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Brayden Sier has positioned himself to rediscover his spot in Collingwood’s midfield by putting together a flawless pre-season.

Sier had a breakout year in 2018 but lost his spot in the Pies side last year after indifferent form.

He was eventually counselled for playing basketball while battling a calf injury.

He was fined $5000 and forced to undertake community work after using the pseudonym Phil Inn to take part in the games.

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Brayden Sier is reportedly tearing up the track for the Pies. Picture: AAP

The Pies were disappointed he hadn’t built upon that 12-game season as a bullocking big-bodied midfielder and felt he had cruised through parts of the summer and some training sessions.

But they cannot fault his professionalism or fitness after a superb summer that at least gives him a chance to break into the elite Pies midfield.

Dayne Beams remains away from the club on a mental health break and would have to complete a two or three-month pre-season if he decided to return to the club.

He is not in the frame for a Round 1 spot, meaning Sier will push the likes of 2019 revelation Rupert Wills for senior opportunities.

Wills and Sier have even gone head-to-head in match simulation.

The Pies are happy with their numbers on the track despite delayed starts for Levi Greenwood (ACL), Travis Varcoe (shoulder) and Tim Broomhead (leg).

Rupert Wills has also put his best foot forward in pre-season. Picture: AAP

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Collingwood will take on Carlton on February 20 in a practice match before two Marsh Community Series games, likely to give most players two hit-outs from the three opportunities.

Beams has no return date and has invested his time in a series of striking resin and acrylic art pieces that have helped him find a hobby away from football.

The Pies are in close contact with him as he tries to work through his issues while continuing to seek professional help.

He says on a website selling his products that it has given him a release from the burdens of playing AFL.

“Health of Mind Art has been created for people like me who suffer with mental demons. I’ve tried numerous activities/therapies to get outside my own head and it wasn’t until I came across art therapy that I felt like I could escape from my own mind.”

Darcy Cameron and Mason Cox will both push for the marking forward role after strong summers, after the American was linked to a potential Bombers trade over the summer.

Both could give newly re-signed ruckman Brodie Grundy some help but he hasn’t missed a beat after committing to the club on a fresh seven-season team.