MELBOURNE recruit Jake Lever doesn't expect there to be any lingering tension between him and Adelaide captain Taylor Walker after his controversial off-season move to the Demons.
Lever joined Melbourne on a four-year deal during the NAB AFL Trade Period, returning to Victoria for family reasons after three seasons with the losing grand finalists.
While Walker stoked tensions by declaring Lever had chosen money over success in making the move, the elite defender said he was sure the pair would be able to put the issue behind them.
"I think the 'Tex' thing got blown out of proportion a little bit … I didn't really have a problem with him and I'm fine with 'Tex'," Lever said after joining the Demons for his first pre-season session on Monday.
"He was disappointed, as he should be. He's the captain of the club and he probably doesn't want people leaving his football club.
"He's a passionate person and a passionate player, and he texted me congratulations for my engagement after I flew out to Europe, and I sent him a message back.
"If me and 'Tex' catch up for a beer maybe in a couple of years, I'm sure there's not going to be too many problems."
Lever's exit was further soured by the Crows' recommendation that he shouldn't attend the club best and fairest, but Lever said that was "probably the best thing" on reflection, despite wanting to attend.
He denied there was any tension with his teammates late in the year as the Crows pushed for a premiership.
Melbourne will face Adelaide in round 10 next season in Alice Springs before squaring off at Adelaide Oval in round 19.
While Lever remained close with a number of his former teammates, the 21-year-old expected a frosty reception from both them and the Crows' fans.
"I expect a few boos, but it's about embracing it I think. The crowd, and the players are obviously going to get right into me," he said.
"I think I'm the type of person who doesn't mind having a laugh on the field.
"I'm sure 'Tex' Walker will probably try and whack me around the ear, but all in a bit of fun.
"At the end of the day I'm mates with all these guys, so if I wasn't going to get any stick I'd be disappointed."
Lever returned to Australia on Wednesday after an off-season holiday in Europe, joining training two weeks ahead of schedule, given he played in the Grand Final just seven weeks ago.
He completed his first session in the rehab group – alongside fellow recruit Harley Balic –where he is expected to remain for the first week before joining the main group.
Lever trained in the No.8, while Balic trained in the No.44, with official jumper numbers expected to be announced after the NAB AFL Rookie Draft next week.
In an encouraging sign for the Demons, tall forward Jesse Hogan trained with the main group and moved well in forward line drills, leading and changing direction with power.
The 22-year-old finished the season with a hamstring injury, but appeared in excellent shape at Monday's session.
Key midfielder Jack Viney, who is recovering from a foot injury, completed his own modified program away from the main group.
Co-captain Nathan Jones and Tom Bugg teamed up for a solid running session in the 31-degree heat.
