I think in the end the trade was a fair deal for both clubs.
I can understand the angst at having a key player, and former Captain, leave because Pies supporters went through the same emotion when Beams asked to leave the Pies.
I think it is great testament to the game that, in this day and age, a player can, successfully request to be traded for a legitimate reason and then, when that reason no longer exists, return to the club he was traded from without too much chagrin.
The Carolyn Wilson's and drunken Slobbo's of the world not withstanding, the story is a good one.
Initially Collingwood fans thought they were dudded with the compensation for a premiership mid, but in reality we have reaped great reward in Crispy and DeGoey.
I don't think the Pies paid overs in the trade back, although the "meedja" will make great hay of it the next few months with little else to whine about.
From a human perspective I can't see how Beams could have done it any differently, He ensured the Pies got good value for his trade to the Lions and made sure the Lions got good value for the trade back.
No-one is perfect sure but I can't fault his motives.
He is shy in front of the cameras and comes over nervously, but you can understand his focus on family, first his father and brother and now his wife.
The posts of his Brisbane team mates stand testament to how those closest to him see the events.
There are those on both boards who hope he fails, hope he has some mental issue which cripples him professionally, but I just see this as people forgetting that AFL players are in reality just people who are good at footy.
Fallible like you and I, but trying.
There are real pricks in the AFL.
I just don't think Beams is one of them.
I think both sides won in the long term.
I'm conflicted.
I actually like your post even if I don't agree with some of its content. It's well thought out, measured and conciliatory
Now can we please close this Thread once and for all???
It's like clickbait.
I keep vowing that not only will I not read it anymore, I definitely won't reply.....yet here I am