AFL legend David King names player who could decide Melbourne Demons’ preliminary final fate

AFL legend David King has singled out one player who he believes could hold the key to the Melbourne Demons’ fortunes on Friday night.

Lever (C) has been in imperious form this season. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

North Melbourne legend David King believes the performance of Demons defender Jake Lever could prove the difference between Melbourne and Geelong in Friday night’s preliminary final.

Lever dominated the intercept and contested mark counts in the sides’ last encounter — a four-point win to the Demons in round 23.

In the dying seconds, it was Lever’s deft kick into forward 50 that found Max Gawn and gave the skipper a chance to kick a matchwinning goal after the siren.

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King said the Demons would be hoping Lever could reprise his starring role at Optus Stadium on Friday.

“I think he’s the most important piece in this game,” King said on Thursday night’s episode of AFL 360.

“I think if Lever has an intercept day, 12, 13, 14 plus, whatever the number is … it’s not necessarily the number, it’s more the influence of those intercepts.

“He does it against different opponents. He can beat (Geelong’s Luke) Dahlhaus, he can beat (Brad) Close, he can beat the smalls, he can do it off a tall, he can do it off (forwards, Gary) Rohan, he can do it off (Jeremy) Cameron. He can do it off (Esava) Ratugolea.

“He will out-read Ratugolea. That’s just what he does.”

King was effusive in his praise for Lever. Picture: Hamish Blair

King went as far as to say that Lever had the game in his hands.

“If this guy has a big day, Melbourne are home, for mine,” King said.

“But if Geelong can find away to go around him or go through him or get goals scoring like they did last time, in round 23 … I think they can win and win well.

“To me, Lever is the biggest piece on the board. How do Geelong handle him, how do Melbourne elevate his importance? That’s the game.”

Lever’s synergy with fellow Dees defender Steven May earned the pair All-Australian blazers this year.

“I just love playing with Steve because he wants to win so much,” Lever said on AFL 360.

“He sets the tone for the rest of the group, not only for game day, because that’s what everyone else gets to see, but what we see during the week from the big fella is nothing you’d ever be able to see.

“He always just wants to win and he demands excellence of everyone.”

Lever joined the Demons in 2018 after spending three seasons with the Crows. Picture. Phil Hillyard

The Demons came back from a 44-point deficit to win their last clash with Geelong and Lever said his side was keen for what promises to be a similarly intense rematch.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge,” Lever said.

Michael Hibberd comes into the Demons’ side for the game in place of Joel Smith, who picked up an injury at training during the week.

Lever confirmed Hibberd would operate in the backline as the Dees look to contain one of the most damaging forward setups in the AFL.

“That forward line is pretty talented,” Lever conceded.

Originally published as AFL legend David King names player who could decide Melbourne Demons’ preliminary final fate