Let's take a look at Jake Lever's 2021...
No. AFL games: 25
Top statistics:
Disposals – 15.6 avg. (389 total)
Intercept possessions – 10.3 avg. (257 total) 1st in AFL
Intercept marks – 4.1 avg. (102 total) 2nd in AFL
Spoils – 5.9 avg. (148 total)
Season Overview:
The 25-year-old didn’t miss a beat this season, featuring in all 25 games and playing an integral role in Melbourne’s ascent to the top of the ladder.
Lever solidified himself as one of the best intercept defenders in the league, often limiting the competition’s top forwards from hitting the scoreboard. At the end of the home-and-away season, the defender made history breaking the record for highest average intercept marks with 4.3 per game.
A true example of Lever’s talent came in Melbourne’s Round 23 win over Geelong where he collected 22 disposals, 10 contested possessions and 12 intercept possessions, helping the side secure the minor premiership. He was rewarded for his top-tier efforts throughout the season receiving first-time All-Australian honours and topped off his career-best year by becoming a premiership player.
