Brisbane Lions skipper Dayne Beams has decided to step aside as captain, admitting he has struggled to come to terms with the death of his father.
Dayne Zorko has replaced him as captain with Beams choosing to take an indefinite break from his leadership position, removing himself from the club's leadership group.
Beams's decision came after consultation with Lions coach Chris Fagan, football manager David Noble and CEO Greg Swann.
Beams said he reached the decision on Wednesday and felt it was in the best interests of himself and his family following the death of his father, Philip, to cancer in March.
"Ive reached the decision today, I feel like its in the best interests for myself and my family that I hand over the captaincy to Dayne Zorko indefinitely," Beams said.
"Obviously the last three months for myself, Im not going to lie, theyve been bloody difficult, and Ive experienced some really bad lows.
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"I think footys been hard for me because I associated football with my father. So it feels like a big chunk of my football life is missing at the moment.
"I just feel like I need some time to find where I belong in the game. And just find my feet again and find my love for the game again.
"I still love coming into the footy club."
Beams, who became captain last season and remains one of the best midfielders in the competition, is expecting a second child with his partner Kelly.
His brother Claye also plays with the Lions, the club Beams joined in 2015 after winning a best and fairest and playing in a premiership at Collingwood.
He left Collingwood to be closer with his father who was ill with cancer.
Young defender Harris Andrews has become vice-captain and former Hawthorn champion Luke Hodge will lend support to the leadership group.
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Peter Ryan joined The Age in 2017 having covered AFL as a senior reporter with AFL Media.
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