Geelong midfielder Allen Christensen has shocked the AFL world by requesting a trade to a Queensland club.
The Victorian native, considered a key piece in the Cats’ future, is seeking a move north after four seasons with the team for “non-football reasons”.
“It is a decision taken purely for personal reasons,” said manager Tim Hazell. “He simply feels that at 23 he wants a fresh start to his football elsewhere. We will work through this process with the club in the hope of securing an outcome satisfactory to both parties.”
The nephew of former Geelong players Marty and Damien Christensen was limited to just eight games last season following back surgery, but managed to maintain the consistent output seen since his breakout season in 2012 when in action.
Geelong is seeking a first-round draft pick in any trade for the 23-year-old, the type of valuable piece Brisbane sounds willing to part with.
“If he’s keen, we’re very, very interested,” Lions chief executive Greg Swann said.
“We haven’t got all of the details. He (Christensen’s manager) rang Peter Schwab, suggested he might want to come north.”
In other trade period news, the Western Bulldogs have reportedly presented Geelong defender Tom Lonergan with a massive deal.
The club is offering the 30-year-old a brave $1.2 million deal over three seasons despite Lonergan having one full season remaining on his current contract, according to The Herald Sun.
The Bulldogs have assembled a coaching staff teeming with ex-Cats- including Matthew Scarlett, Cameron Mooney, Joel Corey and Steven King– and are willing to spend in an attempt to end the club’s finals drought.
The 145-game veteran has played in two grand finals, including the 2011 premiership, and was named an All-Australian in 2012 and 2014.Â
Photo: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
