Impressive young defender Jake Lever has signed a contract extension, which will see him remain at Adelaide until at least the end of 2017.

Lever, 19, was already contracted until the end of next season, but has agreed to an additional year.

Recruited from the Calder Cannons with the Club’s first pick (No.14 overall) in last year’s National Draft, Lever made his AFL debut against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium in Round Six.

The 194cm, 85kg, backman has played a total of nine games, impressing with his composure, aggression and leadership. He’s also displayed an ability to create as well as defend, averaging 15 disposals, six marks and also four rebound 50ms – more than any other Crow this season.

Lever said he was thrilled to extend his stay at West Lakes.

“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.”

Crows Head of Football David Noble said Lever had already shown a level of maturity beyond his years both on and off the field.

“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.”

Lever earned a NAB Rising Star nomination against the Suns in Round 17 after amassing a career-high 24 possessions at 88 per cent disposal efficiency and taking 10 marks.

It’s been a rapid rise for the AIS-AFL Academy graduate, who missed all of last season after undergoing a knee reconstruction in late 2013.