New Melbourne recruit Jake Lever is thrilled to be Demon, and already believes his trade away from Adelaide at the end of last season was a "great decision."
Lever played 56 games for the Crows over the past three seasons, and was a member of the Grand Final side that lost to Richmond in 2017.
Soon after, the 21-year-old requested a trade to Melbourne and moved to Victoria with two first-round picks going the other way, and Lever once again spoke about the role his family played in the decision.
“Absolutely [it was the right call], I can’t explain how much of a great decision it has been not only for my football, but just the off-field side of things,” Lever told the Herald Sun.
“I guess when you make the decision the family always come into play, but it’s your mates and partner’s mates as well, as they don’t get to come over to Adelaide and see you like your family does.
“For me, to be back around best mates and my group of mates, it’s so good just to be able to go out and get a feed together.”
The young backman has to wait until Round 19 before coming up against his old side, although it's a match-up he's already looking forward to.
Lever is excited about going back to Adelaide Oval to take on the Crows, even if he's expecting a hostile reception from the crowd.
“It’s interesting when you come up against them, that will be the fun part,” Lever said.
“I’m the type of person that I can’t wait for it. I have already pencilled it in, Round 19 over at Adelaide Oval.
“The crowd will be a factor as well and, look, I’m sure I’m going to get lots of boos.
“It’s just part and parcel of the industry and I love a challenge and I’m looking forward to playing on some of the guys I was close mates with.”
Lever will hope his inclusion to Melbourne's backline will help them break their finals drought, with the Demons' last finals appearance coming in 2006.
He's only been training with the club for a few months, but Lever is already buoyant about Melbourne's chances this season.
“It’s been fantastic,” Lever said.
“There is such a talented group and some of the stuff that has been done at training you just almost have to shake your head and think you were dreaming, especially playing on the forwards and when you see the things they do sometimes.
“You will be happy they’re on your team on a Saturday afternoon at the MCG when hopefully they are doing the same things.”
