ADELAIDE has been so impressed with defender Jake Lever it has rewarded him with a contract extension in his debut season.

Taken by the Crows with pick No.14 in last year's NAB AFL Draft, the 19-year-old was already contracted next year but has agreed to an additional season.

He's played nine games this year and his leadership and composure has stood out.

"When I first got here I had to adjust to the AFL lifestyle of training every day and backing it up each week," Lever said.

"Since I've come to the club the players and the coaches have been fantastic for my development and I look forward to continuing to improve."

Lever received the round 17 nomination in the NAB AFL Rising Star award.

Crows head of football David Noble said the teenager's maturity was outstanding for a player of his age.

He said his work ethic was just one attribute that suggested he could forge a long and successful career at the top level.

"Jake brings a calm, composed element to the defensive group with a competitive edge that we love," Noble said.

"His work ethic is outstanding, he fits well into our team-first environment and has all the hallmarks of being a long-term player for our club."

While it's a show of faith from the Crows, the extension is also a show of faith from Lever – who has signed on despite not knowing who will coach the club next year.

Adelaide is at least a month away from picking a new coach and Lever said he hadn't been briefed as to the direction the club might take. 

But he has total confidence in that direction and in the habits being established within the playing group.

The Crows face a disappointing Essendon team this weekend - the Dons are struggling and Saturday afternoon at Etihad is hardly considered a blockbuster slot. 

With a place in the finals still on the line, though, Lever said there would be no trouble in firing up. 

"The attitude of the group this week has been really good," he said.

"For us there's always a goal of 'we want to make finals' so that's what keeps us ticking."