Beams last week became a Brisbane Lions player after a prolonged series of negotiations between the Magpies and Lions, which ultimately required the assistance of North Melbourne midfielder Levi Greenwood before a deal materialised on the penultimate day of trade period.

The dynamic 24-year-old reiterated on Friday that his decision has been made entirely for family reasons.

"To me my family's everything. My decision was based purely around that," Beams said.

"I've been open and transparent with (Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley) 'Bucks' all through this year with the circumstances with my family and stuff, so I don't think it was a surprise."

Beams added he had considered the decision throughout the year.

"It's been something that I probably thought about when I received the phone call from my dad saying he was sick."

"It hasn't been a decision I've made within the space of two weeks - it's been something that I've thought about a lot through the year.

Beams described his father as "a fighter" who is making strong progress in his recovery.

"He's good."

"The thing that really shocked me was when I seen him at Christmas last year and I obviously went back to training and pre-season.

"The next time I seen him was when he went in for surgery and he was about 20 kilos lighter."

The 2012 Copeland Trophy winner said the decision not to attend this year's event was a difficult one, and was made only after consultation with Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley.

"The Copeland Trophy's almost as big as the Brownlow Medal. There's a lot of people there."

Even though the trade did not eventuate until deep into the exchange period, the 110-gamer said he never lost faith in his manager Paul Connors' ability to strike a deal.

Beams was eventually traded to the Lions - who had to cough up picks 5, 25 and youngster Jack Crisp .

In New York with current Magpies Paul Seedsman, Steele Sidebottom, Jarrod Witts and Clinton Young, as well as former Pie Heath Shaw when the move was at long last sealed, Beams said "the boys had a few beers" to celebrate.

"It was a relief."

A round one clash against his former side looms as a round one Gabba treat, and Beams did not seem perturbed by the prospect of taking on his former teammates.

"I'm really looking forward to it. I love those sorts of challenges, it fires me up, and I'm sure they'll come out fired up as well."

He was also talking up the Lions top-eight credentials, believing the addition of himself and Allen Christensen could catapult Justin Leppitsch's side back to the finals for the first time since 2009.

"I've got no doubt with the list that we've got we can play finals in 2015."

Beams was also looking forward to playing alongside brother Claye for the first time. Their 18-month age gap had prevented them from playing junior football together.

"My brother's my best mate and I speak to him on a regular basis."