Adelaide key defender Jake Lever has confirmed he wants to move to a Victorian club during the AFL trade period.
The highly rated 21-year-old, who is off contract, is expected to nominate Melbourne as his preferred destination.
Adelaide football boss Brett Burton says the Crows are extremely disappointed with Lever’s decision and will consider their options.
“Our members and supporters should rest assured that we will make decisions that are in the best interests of our football club, first and foremost,” Burton said on Tuesday.
The writing had been on the wall since Melbourne native Lever put off contract talks earlier in the season.
But his looming departure will still come as a huge blow to the Crows, days after their shattering grand-final loss to Richmond.
The Crows are expected to demand two first-round draft picks for Lever, who had led the AFL for intercepts per game in 2017.
Melbourne have pick No.10 at their disposal in this year’s draft and could also offer up a future first-round selection.
Such a trade would leave Adelaide in a strong position to make a fresh play for Carlton midfielder Bryce Gibbs.
Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs had also been linked to Lever but are not expected to win the race for Lever’s services.
The Dees, who missed the finals after losing their last regular-season game, have already delisted five players and encouraged forward Jack Watts to explore his options.