Penny drops for Collingwood's Beams While Nick Maxwell will captain Collingwood for a fifth straight season, the club has rewarded former erratic midfielder Dayne Beams with a major leadership role. Maxwell was the players' choice for skipper again, according to Magpies coach Nathan Buckley. He will be supported by vice-captain Scott Pendlebury while Beams and Luke Ball were named joint deputy vice-captains. It is a dramatic turnaround for Beams, who struggled with poor form and injury in 2011. However Beams said he was determined in 2012 to reverse his attitude, a decision which led to a Copeland Trophy and a promotion within the group. Buckley said the "penny dropped" for Beams whose work rate improved dramatically as he showed signs of more hunger on the training track and in matches. According to Buckley the leadership makeup was a straightforward process driven by the players. "They're all fantastic positive examples about how to go about your footy, they're great teammates, they're great footballers and we're looking forward to their influence throughout the group," Buckley said. These four guys lead the way for their teammates and they'll be expected to drive this playing group to great things this season. He said the quartet stood out and "were clearly seen as the guys that the group looked up to and wanted to follow." Maxwell said he was keen to continue as skipper and that his last season had statistically been his best. However he said he would have no hesitation in stepping aside if his ability to lead the side came under doubt. "If at any stage my influence drops off, or if my teammates or the club feel that there's someone better to lead the club, then I'll step aside and be the first one to stick my hand out and shake their hand," Maxwell said. Collingwood has this year trimmed its leadership group in contrast to several clubs who have decided to spread the load among a number of senior players. Buckley said Maxwell, Pendlebury, Ball and Beams were the clear standouts but other experienced players would be expected to exert their influence. "These four guys clearly stood out, but there are other leaders in the group and we'll be calling upon them throughout the year," Buckley said. Last season Travis Cloke, Dale Thomas, Heath Shaw, Harry O'Brien and Jarryd Blair were included in the leadership group. While Maxwell continues in the job, Carlton's Chris Judd and Richmond's Chris Newman both stepped down from the captaincy for 2013.