Allen Christensen loving being back training with Brisbane Lions after 18 months on sidelines
BRISBANE Lions midfielder Allen Christensen has not played AFL footy for 18 months. No wonder he’s excited to be back on the paddock with Chris Fagan’s improving squad.
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FORGOTTEN Brisbane Lions forward Allen Christensen is ready “to rock and roll” after 18 months on the sidelines and four collarbone operations.
Christensen, 26, will put his hand up to play AFLX, a new high-octane version of the sport, in February and both Lions’ preseason matches.
“I don’t think it will be a bad thing for me just to play as much footy as I can,” Christensen told the Herald Sun during the Lions’ preseason training camp in Launceston.
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“We’ll start discussing (next month) what my program looks like but at the moment I’m rocking up to training like it’s a game.
“I’m just enjoying being back as a full-time footballer.”
Christensen has not played AFL since Round 11, 2016 when his right collarbone shattered following a collision with now-retired Carlton star Andrew Walker.
The livewire required more surgery at the start of the year after he re-injured the collarbone on the eve of the season.
Christensen returned in April, playing one game in the NEAFL before scans revealed a plate that was strengthening the collarbone had cracked.
But Christensen is confident the nagging collarbone problems are finally in the past, training strongly as the Lions ramp up preparations for 2018 at the University of Tasmania campus in Launceston.
“Our training has definitely gone up another level in terms of body contact and consistency,” Christensen said.
“It’s a completely different ball game. It’s exciting. I just watch some of these players getting fitter and stronger.
“I look at Hugh McCluggage and he’s just a lot thicker than he was and a lot more confident in contests.”
Despite ultimately claiming the wooden spoon last season the Lions showed positive signs across the field, especially in the second half of the year.
But Christensen warned the Lions must keep working hard to reap the rewards.
“We’re under no illusions that we finished last last year and we have to improve,” Christensen said.
“It’s not going to happen overnight, we know that, but if we keep training at the intensity we are, and keep asking questions of each other, and driving higher standards, the improvement will get there.”
Christensen expects to play mostly in the forward line next season but hopes to create a formidable midfield rotation with All-Australian Lion Dayne Zorko.
“The more people we can have going through that midfield I think the better off we’re going to be.”
Originally published as Allen Christensen loving being back training with Brisbane Lions after 18 months on sidelines
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