Dayne Beams can understand the confusion about the path his AFL career has taken but he has absolutely no regrets about his trade from Brisbane to Collingwood.
The 28-year-old rejoined the Pies in a late deal ahead of Wednesday's trade deadline after the Lions relented and allowed him to leave with two years remaining on his contract.
Beams sought a trade to Brisbane at the end of 2014 to be closer to his father, who was battling cancer at the time and passed away earlier this year.
"I was honest as I could be with them ... I let them know that in two years time that I wouldn't sign another contract and I would be coming back to Melbourne," Beams told Channel Nine.
"I wanted this to work for both parties but my preference was to get back to Melbourne as soon as possible.
"... I always used to say to my dad that I'd end up finishing my career at Collingwood.
"My heart has always been at the Pies, but four years ago the circumstances were that I needed to get back to Brisbane to be with my dad.
"I can't thank both clubs enough for allowing me that opportunity."
Beams relinquished his captaincy role following the death of his dad and revealed he is still seeking professional help to cope with that grief.
He thanked his teammates and the Lions for their support during the difficult period.
As speculation over his future swirled, Beams reaffirmed his commitment to his teammates in a heartfelt speech at the club's best and fairest count just weeks before he would rejoin the Pies.
"I don't regret it ... (but) looking at it now, it probably sent the wrong message," he said.
"But you've got to understand, at the time, I thought I was still going to be a Brisbane Lions player.
"It was only post the B&F that the more serious discussions about the trade being a possibility started to happen.
"The message I sent to my teammates, I stand by. I love my teammates at the Brisbane Lions. The amount of support they've shown me over the last six-to-nine months has been huge."
Beams, who played 58 games in four seasons with the Lions, rejoined the Pies after they gave up pick No.18 and a future first-round pick, while also receiving picks 41 and 44 from Brisbane.
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