Young defender Jake Lever has been included in the AFL’s Team of the Week for the first time this year alongside two Crows teammates.
Lever, 20, was recognised for his standout display in defence during Adelaide’s 60-point win over Carlton at the MCG on Sunday.
The athletic backman collected 26 possessions, the second-highest tally of his career, claimed four marks and had four rebound 50ms. A natural competitor, Lever also had eight one-percenters as well as 12 intercept possessions.
Lever was named in a back pocket in the AFL’s Round 16 team.
Regular Team of the Week members Rory Laird and Rory Sloane featured once again after influential performances at the MCG.
Laird secured his seventh Team of the Week start on the back of a career-best 35-possession performance. The courageous backman also notched a game-high nine rebound 50ms, five more than any other Crow, and led his side for total metres gained (518).
The former rookie claimed a half-back flank in the Team of the Week.
Sloane was the third and final Crow to earn a place in this week’s team, earning the ruck/rover position.
The 2013 Club Champion amassed 34 possessions (20 contested), 10 clearances and laid 10 tackles against the Blues. Sloane relished the soggy conditions after half-time and was one of the main instigators behind Adelaide’s second-half domination.
It’s Sloane’s fourth Team of the Week appearance this season, including two starts from the last three rounds. The midfielder is now second only to Laird as Adelaide’s most capped representative.
An even team contribution meant there were several Crows who could be considered unlucky to miss out in the Round 16 Team of the Week, including Daniel Talia, Brad and Matt Crouch.
Adelaide, Collingwood, Hawthorn and Melbourne all had three players included in the Round 16 Team of the Week, while Sydney and Essendon both had two representatives each.
Eddie Betts, Josh Jenkins (three times each), Rory Atkins, Daniel Talia (twice), Scott Thompson, Tom Lynch and Walker are the other Crows who have been recognised in AFL Media’s Team of the Week throughout the course of the season so far.
Visit AFL.com.au to see the full Team of the Week for Round 16
