Lever has “verbal commitment” to Dees: Robbo

Mark Robinson has heard from multiple sources that in-demand Adelaide defender Jake Lever has made a verbal commitment to join Melbourne at season’s end.

The 21-year-old key defender reportedly met with the Demons earlier this year, and despite denials from the player and both clubs, the Crow is yet to commit to his current side beyond this year.

With fellow Adelaide key position youngster Mitch McGovern having re-signed with the club earlier this week, the growing belief is that Lever will be on his way out the door following the club’s final game, with a return to his native Victoria on the cards.

The Herald Sun chief football writer says that a host of people close to the Demons are showing considerable confidence that they are on the cusp of getting Lever into the red and blue.

“There’s people at Melbourne whispering to other people that they believe that Lever may have had a verbal commitment to join Melbourne,” Robinson said on SEN’s Crunch Time.

“That’s just speculation, but about eight people have told me.

“When one person tells you, you go ‘that’s interesting’, then you get two, then three, then four… Melbourne are confident.”

Lever has had a career best season in his third year of AFL football, leading the competition for intercept marks per game in 2017.

He has averaged 16.2 disposals, 6.3 marks and 3.5 rebound 50s this year.

Should Lever opt to leave Adelaide for Melbourne, the Dees will be required to make a trade for the out-of-contract youngster.