Former AFL Cat and Lion Allen Christensen locked in for TSL in 2021 and 2022

Done and dusted: Lauderdale has locked in former Geelong premiership and Brisbane forward Allen Christensen for two seasons.

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BRISBANE Lions’ coach Chris Fagan’s decision to bring his side to his home state for pre-season camp has paid dividends for Lauderdale.

The TSL Bombers have signed former Geelong and Brisbane forward Allen Christensen for the next two seasons as a playing assistant coach after the 2011 premiership Cat was given approval from AFL Tasmania to be signed as a marquee player.

It means only 20 per cent of his salary will go into Lauderdale’s salary cap.

Bombers president Julie Kay said Christensen fell in love with the state after coming to Tasmania on the pre-season camps, and the opportunity to move south arose through his association with Lauderdale defender Josh McGuinness (formerly of the Lions) and recommendations from Indigenous Bombers recruits from the NT.

Allen Christensen poses during a Brisbane Lions AFL portrait session at The Gabba on August 13, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

“It is exciting, but it is just great for the development of all our players,” Kaye said.

“Just the experience he will bring in terms of on field coaching, some diversity which we think is very important, and someone with that first-hand experience and knowledge of AFL football.

“And he’s a really nice man, he’s a lovely guy.

“It will also be really good for the competition and it is a good example of someone who thinks it is worthwhile coming down to the beautiful state of Tasmania.”
Head of AFL Tasmania Damian Gill welcomed the recruit, who has played 133 AFL games and is still only 29 years old.

“It is brilliant to have Allen calling Tasmania home in 2021 and I am looking forward to seeing him in action,” Gill said.

“It is fantastic for footy in Tasmania to be attracting a player of Allen’s calibre and experience.

“I am sure he will bring a real lift to the Lauderdale Football Club and get the community and junior players excited, I think there is no doubt he will quickly become a fan favourite.”