ALLEN Christensen says he has had to look beyond the football field to help him get through a second long injury rehabilitation.

The clever midfielder has had a shocking run of luck since the middle of last season, fracturing his collarbone twice and then cracking the steel plate that had been inserted to strengthen the area.

With Christensen out for this season, it means he has played just one NEAFL game since round 11, 2016.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t say it was difficult,” he said.

“I’ve had my moments, my ups and downs.

“You get into training, you prepare with the boys, you do everything with them, and then you get to Thursday and Friday and realise you’re not playing.

“I was stiff the last time. The plate broke.

“I played the NEAFL game on the Saturday and was looking forward to hopefully playing AFL the next week, and it all sort of – pardon the French – the shit hit the fan on the Monday.

“It’s unlucky. It’s something the surgeon has never seen.”

Christensen, 26, has taken a bigger role with the Lions’ NEAFL team, spending time on the interchange bench during games to talk to players when they come off the field.

He is eyeing a career in coaching when his playing days finish.

Christensen said the rehab had given him time to further educate the club on his indigenous culture.

The Lions have partnered the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health’s Deadly Choices Program, of which he has played a big part.

“I’m proud to be an Aboriginal person and push it through the club,” he said.

“I’ve spoken to everyone upstairs (administration) about my culture.

“If there’s a silver lining to my injury, it’s I’ve been able to expand on the club’s knowledge of Aboriginal culture.”