Dees paid huge overs for Lever: Ralph

Herald Sun journalist Jon Ralph says Melbourne has sold the farm to acquire Jake Lever.

The Demons passed pick 10 as well as next year’s first fourth round picks and in return for landing Lever, pick 35 and Adelaide’s 2018 third round selection.

“It’s a heck of a lot for Lever,” Ralph told SEN’s Hungry for Sport.

“You might believe he’s Alex Rance but they effectively given up two first-rounders which is pick 10 this year and it could be a similar pick next year depending on how they are going.

“To only get back what will effectively be a really late second round pick.

“I think it’s too much or they are obviously thinking they’ve got their man so know we’re in premiership mode.”

Melbourne has not played finals since 2006 and missed this year after a diabolical Round 23 loss to Collingwood.

The 21-year-old Lever finished first in the AFL for intercept possessions per game in 2017, showcasing his capacity to read the play and pounce in aerial contests.

Originally drafted with the 14th overall pick in 2014, the Romsey product played 56 games for the Crows, including 44 of the past 49 matches.