The young cat was niggled by injury for much of the 2012 season; he started the season slowly averaging 67.3 in the first three rounds, before hitting his straps over the next month averaging 96.3 before injury hit. His nagging calf injury while copping a concussion in the VFL saw him miss the next four matches and return in round 13. In the second half of the season ‘Bundy’ showed us glimpses of what he is capable of, with scores of 101, 100, 99, 98, 94 in the run home.
He then copped a shoulder injury which restricted him against Gold Coast and then missed Geelong’s clash with Essendon is round 17, taking out his two injury and sub affected matches, he averaged 87.1, which is quite handy considering he never really got going in 2012 missing matches through injury on three separate occasions. Also worth a note, he loves Kardinia Park, averaging 95.2 from his six matches there in 2012.
Christensen is a highly skilled player who impacts the game, a great blue print for Supercoach points, these qualities were well highlighted on his return against Sydney in round 13, where he started as the substitute. Christensen was brought on early in the third quarter; he ignited his side with 12 touches, four tackles and 50 SC points in under a half of football, as the cats lost in a nail biter.
He is now into his fourth season in the AFL and is primed for a break out year, Geelong boasts a great up and coming midfield with the likes of Mitch Duncan, Josh Caddy and Allen Christensen taking the baton from ageing champions, James Kelly, Jimmy Bartel and Joel Corey. Geelong will no doubt give their young midfielders extra midfield time, and I expect Christensen to play a permanent midfield role, utilising his great ball winning ability, pace and silky skills.
The word out of Geelong’s pre season is that he hasn’t missed a beat, given a big pre season; he has all the attributes to lift his average into the three figure mark. Quite simply 2012 was a horror year for the young cat, started as sub twice, Injured three times and never strung more than seven matches in a row together, yet he still averaged 79.9.
Christensen is a great ball winner and a smart user, he also excels in contested ball, winning 45% of his disposals from a contest while averaging 2.8 clearances and 3.7 tackles per game. He can be selected as both a midfielder and forward, making him a hugely appealing player.
He will be given every opportunity in the midfield this year and I believe if his sensational pre season continues he will be a steal in the forward line.