Manager defends Lever no-show
JAKE Lever’s manager has confirmed the defender missed the Adelaide best and fairest function only on the advice of the AFL club.
Lever’s likely departure to Melbourne in the trade period is ugly, with the Crows declaring publicly the primary motivation is money. The backman says he wants to return to his native Victoria to be closer to friends and family.
There have been reports some of Lever’s teammates wanted him dropped for the finals as speculation grew about the Melbourne offer.
He was a notable no-show at Friday night’s club function.
“He would have liked to have attended, that was his intention, but on the advice of the club he was encouraged not to go,” Alex McDonald told SEN. “Jake made that decision in the best interests of everyone.”
Teammate Charlie Cameron went to the function despite requesting a trade to Brisbane.
McDonald is confident that regardless of the circumstances, Lever’s deal will go through.
The trade period starts tomorrow and runs until October 19.
“It’s a pretty raw sort of moment for the general public,” McDonald said. “I don’t think the players have any problem with Jake and I don’t think the club has either.
“There’s probably a little bit of disappointment that he’s not going to be there, because of his talent and what he brings the club, and the great investment they made.
“I think everyone will get over that part of it and then get down to doing something that’s in the best interests of all parties.”