The Magpies will face off against Brisbane on Saturday in Melbourne in what is essentially a play-off for a spot in the pre-season NAB Cup final.
Carlton, reinvigorated under the direction of revered three-time premiership coach Malthouse, will take on Adelaide in Adelaide in the other virtual NAB semi-final.
Beams, 23, played under the wily coaching veteran for his first three seasons at Collingwood, before Pies legend Nathan Buckley took the reins at the end of 2011 as part of the club's controversial succession plan.
Beams says playing under his old coach, to whom he was reportedly particularly close, will be unusual for him.
"It would be different playing against Mick," Beams said.
"He's obviously the first coach I had here and he's a very good coach."
Magpies and Blues wins would send the traditional and fierce foes to a mouthwatering pre-season final blockbuster, with the added spark of Malthouse's first clash against his old side since his controversial departure.
Even if the blockbuster NAB clash doesn't eventuate, the Pies need only wait until Round 2 of the home-and-away season for a Malthouse grudge match at the MCG.
Beams declared he was certain Malthouse would have the star-studded Blues outfit in tip-top shape.
"The Blues are going to be well tuned and ready to go for the real season," he said.
Carlton faces a vastly-improved Lions side, without inspirational captain Chris Judd. Potential new skipper Andrew Carrazzo is set to lead the Blues in Saturday's clash.