Working to connect his AFL club with Brisbane’s indigenous community helped Allen Christensen cope with two years of injury setbacks.

Now fully fit, the Lions midfielder will run out in Sunday’s special Sir Doug Nicholls Round guernsey with an extra spring in his step.

The Geelong-born 27-year-old was a mad Essendon fan growing up and still revels in memories of attending the first Dreamtime at the G in 2005.

Able to put two years of shoulder and collarbone concerns behind him, Christensen admits the Etihad Stadium clash with North Melbourne will carry extra significance for him.

“To see what this round has turned into; a great spectacle but show of respect and celebrating the indigenous culture,” he said.

“It just makes you realise how lucky we are to have the oldest living culture in the world, it’s special to be a part of that and to play in a round like this gives you a little bit more.”

The former Cat has called the Gabba home since 2015 and taken on a central role in building the link between the club and indigenous community, particularly since a succession of injuries saw him miss all of last season and the back end of the 2016 campaign.

“The last 18-20 months, the club’s taken such steps forward to involve the whole community to show the Aboriginal people around here that Lions care about us,” he said.

“This is a small thing, behind the scenes a lot more is going on and I’m proud to be involved.

“Last year while I was injured it was something I really enjoyed and might be something I can do after footy.”

The Lions will wear the Elaine Chambers-designed kit against the Kangaroos and again at the Gabba against Essendon next weekend.