ON THE eve of his 150th game, Brisbane midfielder Dayne Beams was the recipient of great fanfare and publicity, as Lions fans geared up to salute their milestone man.

It was a time for celebration.

But on the inside Beams was harbouring an overwhelming sadness, as he struggled to cope with the death of his father and best friend, Phillip.

Watch the full interview with Dayne and Claye Beams on Fox Footy’s On The Mark on Wednesday at 8.30pm (AEST)

Finals Week 1

“It was my 150th game and I just had a complete meltdown in my room,” Beams said on Fox Footy’s On The Mark.

“It was reported that I was withdrawn from the game sick.

“In actual fact I was sick, mentally sick.”

The then-Lions captain was a late withdrawal from his side’s Round 3 match against Port Adelaide, explaining that he broke down and had to be consoled before the match.

“I cried for probably an hour before I messaged (my wife) Kelly,” Beams said.

“I text David Noble and he came into my room and put his arm around me. He didn’t really say anything. He just sat there.

“I said, ‘I can’t play, I can’t play like this because I would be useless to the team’.

“I got a psychiatric assessment the following week and he recommended I went on medication. The thing I’ve learnt most though is that you’re not alone.”

Dayne Beams of the Lions. Source: Getty Images

The premise of Beams’ move from Collingwood to Brisbane was to be closer to his father, who was battling bowel cancer.

While it was clear the bond the pair shared was incredibly strong, what was less well known was the mental anguish Beams was attempting to overcome just to play footy.

The 28-year-old relinquished the Brisbane captaincy on the eve of Round 10 — a move that coincided with his stunning form on the field.

Since Round 10, the Brisbane onballer has averaged 31.7 disposals.

If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78,

For further information about depression, contact beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.