ALLEN Christensen expects to booed by the Geelong crowd on Saturday, but the former Cat says at least he understands why it will happen.
Speaking on Tuesday morning, the 24-year-old opened up about the booing of Adam Goodes, saying he couldn't understand why crowds did it and that it was "disrespectful".
Goodes has been at the centre of booing and heckling from opposition crowds for most of the season, with AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan saying on Monday that the behaviour was ugly and calling for an end to it.
Christensen will play at Simonds Stadium for the first time on Saturday since his off-season defection from Geelong to the Brisbane Lions, and said he expected to cop it from Cats supporters.
But it was far different from Goodes' situation, he said.
"That's the difference. I know why I'll get booed this week, I don't know why he's getting booed," Christensen said.
"I remember when we played (Sydney Swans) here, I was running down the ground with Lewis Jetta and we looked at each other - it's just distasteful I think.
War cry was Jetta's call for respect
"I don't really like it, but they (fans) pay their money and they do what they want to do.
"I don't think it's sinister. It's a bit like following the crowd, because everyone else is doing it, we'll do it. It's a bit strange."
Christensen admitted to being anxious about his return to Geelong.
The midfielder played 65 matches for the Cats and helped them to the 2011 premiership before his off-season trade.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit nervous coming into this week, but it'll be good to get back and see the family and run out on the old deck," he said.
"I don't think it's going to be too friendly, to be honest.
"I don't think the crowd will be too nice, but that's just what it is.
"I was a mad AFL supporter growing up and it's always the same when someone leaves your club.
"I expect a few boos and a bit of nice language thrown over the fence.
"It doesn’t faze me that much. I can't wait to get out there and get the first one out of the way."
