Beams replaces Rockliff as Lions skipper

Feb 28, 2017 - 3:08 AM Tom Rockliff might have been dumped as Brisbane skipper but coach Chris Fagan says the fact he's still in the leadership group at all is proof of his off-season transformation.

Star midfielder Rockliff will serve as vice-captain this year to Dayne Beams, unveiled on Tuesday as the AFL club's new leader.

The 27-year-old had been captain for the past two seasons but was always likely to lose the position following a tumultuous end to 2016, when he reportedly fell out with teammates and club staffers, was criticised in the media for a lack of professionalism and even explored his trade options.

But Fagan, who joined the club in October, told Rockliff he would be judged by his actions - not his reputation - and had sung his praises since.

"Tommy Rockliff's come a long way. I think we need to look at it from that perspective," Fagan told reporters.

"If we'd have done the vote four months ago, I'm not sure Tom would have featured as well as he has.

"He's earned a lot of respect from his teammates by the way in which he's gone about things over the last four months.

"I would think, having chatted to him last night, he's pleased he's been able to make up that ground.

"We see him as a very important person, going forward."

Beams said he was stoked to have Rockliff in his corner, with Dayne Zorko to serve as deputy vice-captain and Stefan Martin, Allen Christensen, Ryan Lester and Harris Andrews part of a seven-man leadership group.

"I think Tom copped his fair whack in the media last year," he said.

"I always judge someone's character on the way they respond to that and the way he's responded has been first class.

"He's really open to supporting me. I think we've got a really robust team around me."

The leadership group was formed on Monday night after a player vote, with Beams, Rockliff and Zorko appointed to their positions following a "discussion" between the players, coaches and key staff at the club, Fagan said.

Beams, sidelined for most of last year because of a knee injury, is expected to make his first appearance of the pre-season on Thursday night against the Western Bulldogs.

"I like to think I'm an action-based leader," he said.

"I lead by example, I do what I say and I think the overriding thing is I'm really passionate about the footy club and where it's heading."

Source: AAP