Claye was born on (1991-09-01)1 September 1991 (the younger brother of former Brisbane Lions captain and former Collingwood premiership player Dayne Beams)[2] and moved with his family from Yarrawonga, Victoria to the Gold Coast at the age of two.

He had only joined the Labrador team a few months earlier after seeing his brother Dayne perform well for Collingwood in the AFL.

[4] On the back of strong performances in the Lions reserves side throughout 2010 and his selection in the Queensland state side, Beams was officially elevated at the 2010 AFL Draft and commenced the 2011 AFL season on the Lions senior list.

[5] Beams made his debut against Fremantle in Round 1 at the Gabba, with 13 disposals.

[6] Beams played in the round 1 victory against Melbourne and was rewarded the round 1 nomination for the 2012 AFL Rising Star for tagging Brent Moloney out of the game, whilst still collecting 25 possessions himself.