Originally from Lara where he played in two under-17 premierships in 1979 & 1980, Damien was recruited by the Geelong FC where he played 17 senior games kicking 8 goals from 1983-86.
Damien continued his playing career with West Torrens in the SANFL and with St Mary’s in the NTFL, winning two premierships and a league best and fairest.
Damien took out Werribee’s best-and-fairest in 1989 and then returned to captain-coach Lara in 1990 & 1991 before retiring as a player but continuing to coach the Club into the Geelong Football League grand finals in 1992 & 1993.
He then had a season with Camperdown in the Hampden League in 1994 and also had a stint as coach of St Joseph’s (1996 & 1997) in the GFNL, taking them to the grand final in his second season in charge.
Damien then went on to coach the Geelong Falcons for six seasons, including a premiership in his first year in a side featuring future AFL champions Luke Hodge, Gary Ablett Jr and Jimmy Bartel, before stints at Box Hill (2006-07) and Newtown & Chilwell (2016).
Damien was coaxed into the coaching role at Williamstown in 1995 by fellow police officer, the late Kim Walsh, who was president of Club at the time.
Damien had retired from playing four years earlier, but made a comeback to assist the Club which was struggling through the worst season in the proud Club’s long history and played 14 games kicking 5 goals in the Club’s winless season.
His brother Brendan was coach of the Seconds in 1995, which also failed to win a game, and he was also called upon to play two games in the Seniors, kicking one goal.
Damien, we thank you for guiding our Club through such a tumultuous season and the Club’s sincere condolences are extended to Karen, Georgia, Alexandra, Brendan and the extended Christensen family at this sad time.
RIP, Damien.
