The Demons are hoping it will be the match that gives their AFL finals tilt serious momentum.

There's one man in Simon Goodwin's team eager to face off against the Crows more than most - their former defender Jake Lever who joined the Blues in somewhat acrimonious circumstances in the off-season.

Melbourne were 109-point winners against Carlton, ripping up the record book with their biggest triumph over the Blues in 122 seasons.

It was the revitalised Demons', who have failed to reach the finals since 2006, fourth win in succession, with the percentage boost moving them up to third spot on the ladder.

But question marks still exist given Goodwin's men have beaten Essendon (14th), St Kilda (16th), Gold Coast (15th) and Carlton (18th) in that run.

But victory over Adelaide - last year's minor premiers - and boasting the same 6-3 record as the Demons - would be something else.

And Lever knows the match, played at Alice Springs' Traeger Park, is a big one.

"For us to hopefully go up there and win would be a huge step forward for our footy club," he said.

"They boys are ready to really take a step forward and hopefully compete against a really quality side."

Lever has plenty of skin in the game.

He left Adelaide at the end of last season, with Melbourne sending two first-round draft picks for the key position defender.

It was a hefty price to pay, especially given his slow start to life with the Demons.

The 22-year-old deleted his Twitter account in the wake of early-season criticism when his own form mirrored that of his club.

But like his teammates, he's hitting his stride and impressed with 27 disposals against the Blues.

Despite a parting shot or two being fired on his way out of Adelaide, Lever insists this isn't a grudge match for him - but one he's looking forward to.

"Before the game today I had a little bit of a think about after this game. It is finally the week that I get to play Adelaide," he said.

"Some of my best mates still play for Adelaide. For me it was never going to ruin any friendships or anything like that.

"I'm sure there'll be a cheeky couple of texts this week. I'm just excited to go up to Alice Springs and play well hopefully and hopefully we get the four points."

Australian Associated Press