Allen Christensen gets trade from Geelong to Brisbane Lions in exchange for pick No.21

DEAL DONE: Allen Christensen is now a Brisbane Lion after Geelong accepted pick 21 on Monday for the crafty midfield-forward.

Melbourne , Australia - September 20th, Preliminary Final, Geelong v Hawthorn at the MCG. Pic George Salpigtidis. Geelong's Allen Christensen goal in the first quarter.

BRISBANE has officially signed, sealed and delivered Geelong premiership player Allen Christensen to the Gabba.

The paperwork for the trade that saw Brisbane secure Christensen in exchange for pick no.21 was lodged on Monday afternoon.

Lions list manager Peter Schwab, said Christensen was a valuable addition.

“Allen is a fantastic player who brings some good finals experience to our young list. He offers a great injection of pace into our side and will be a valuable addition,” Schwab said.

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“Allen expressed his desire to relocate to Queensland and so we worked together with Geelong to achieve a suitable outcome for both Clubs.

“Leppa spoke at the end of the season about a desire to recruit A-grade talent to our football Club, and that is exactly what Allen is.”

Brisbane is also continuing to work towards a trade for Collingwood star Dayne Beams, with Lions midfielder Jack Crisp likely to form part of the package to entice the Pies to do the deal.

Allen Christensen is now a Brisbane Lions player.

Christensen, 23, told the Cats last Wednesday he wanted to be traded to a Queensland club and met with Lions senior coach Justin Leppitsch later that night.

The following day he declared that Brisbane was his preferred destination.

Brisbane and Geelong agreed in principle to the trade on Friday, pending a medical clearance.

It is understood Christensen is dealing with a number of personal issues and was keen for a fresh start away from the Geelong region where he has lived his entire life.

Geelong general manager of football, Neil Balme, said the Cats were disappointed to lose Christensen but were empathetic to the situation.

“There were many things involved with Allen’s situation and we just had to help him as much as possible.” Balme said.

“The club is thankful for Allen’s contribution during his five years at the Cats including his part in the 2011 premiership side.”

The Geelong Falcons under 18 product was drafted by the Cats with pick no.40 in 2009 and was expected to assume a leadership role at the club in the coming years.

Christensen played just eight senior games in 2014 due to a back injury and recently had surgery.

He made his AFL debut in 2011 and has played 65 senior matches.

He played in Geelong’s grand final-winning side in 2011 and has seven finals appearances to his name.

Brisbane obtained pick 21 from GWS on Friday in a trade for veteran Lions defender Joel Patfull.