Trade period recruit Allen Christensen joined his new teammates for the first time on Monday following the return to training of all players with four or more years of senior AFL experience.

The obvious exceptions on the training track were stars Tom Rockliff and Pearce Hanley, who are busy preparing with Australia and Ireland respectively ahead of Saturday’s International Rules Series in Perth.

Josh Clayton, who the Lions are committed to selecting under the Father-Son rule at next week’s AFL Draft, was also absent due to Year 12 school commitments.

While an AFL pre-season is nothing new for Christensen, who has spent the previous five seasons with Geelong, the 23-year-old admitted to having some first-day nerves.

“I was a bit nervous coming to meet everyone, to be honest,” Christensen told The Courier Mail.

“But there’s plenty of boys around the same age as me and a few boys who’ve come through the Geelong Falcons (under 18 program) as well so I’ve been made to feel really welcome.

“I’m just really excited to be a part of what’s happening here in Brisbane.

“You look around today and you see a lot of talented young blokes and some really good experienced players as well.

“With a lot of hard work over the next four or five months, hopefully it will turn into a pretty exciting year for the club.

“I can’t wait to get into it.”

Christensen was on limited duties as he recovers from back surgery. He isn’t expected to return to full training until the New Year.