MELBOURNE star Jake Lever has shared his excitement of being back on the team’s beloved home turf of the ‘G, following a 50-point win over modern-day rivals, the Western Bulldogs.    

The Saturday night blockbuster against the Bulldogs saw the Demons collect the four points, in what was a heated contest to open the season.   

Lever, who was awarded an equal game-high nine coaches votes, expressed an overwhelming sense of pride after running out In front of a loud Demon faithful.  

“I think upon reflection, last year we probably didn't enjoy the wins as much as we should have,” Lever told Melbourne Media.   

“To come out, big stage, Round 1 against a really good side and to play the way that we did, I’m incredibly proud.” 

Just proud to be a part of the footy club and to put on that performance.

- Lever

“I walked out to the roar of the Melbourne faithful, and I just turned around and looked up at the crowd, It’s just such a special moment.  

“It's funny, I caught eyes with Judd (McVee) and I think he just didn't realise how loud it was going to be out there.”   

The All-Australian defender praised his younger backline teammates for stepping up on the biggest stage.  

With Steven May missing with a calf issue, Melbourne looked to its depth to help carry the load. 

The Demons chose to field four players under the age of 24 in the backline, with the injection of youth resulting in a solid display and impacting on the final score board.  

“I’m only 27, but I do feel like a bit of a father down there,” Lever said.   

“So without May tonight, I thought that guys like Harry Petty, Angus Brayshaw and the young guys that played tonight like Trent Rivers, Jake Bowey and Knuckle (Judd McVee) really stood up.”   

Debutants were the talk of the day, with McVee one of four players to feature for the first time in the red and blue.   

After solid pre-season hit-outs against both Richmond and St Kilda, McVee found his place in the Dees’ backline, picking up 14 disposals on his debut at the MCG.

McVee made his mark in defence, with his behind-the-scenes attitude on display during the season-opener. 

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“To see him do what he did on the big stage was so good,” Lever added.  

“Last year if you had told me, Judd McVee would have been playing Round 1, I would have probably laughed at [you], that's no disrespect to him.  

“I think that’s just the way that he's come back this pre-season and attacked the year. It's really put him in good stead to be picked for Round 1 and then to play the way he did tonight, it’s pretty special.”