Former Melbourne high-flyer Shaun Smith has backed his son Joel to fill the breach left by Jake Lever for the rest of the season.

Joel Smith, 22, has been given the first chance to secure the spot opened by Lever’s season-ending knee injury after being picked to take on Collingwood in Monday’s Queen’s Birthday blockbuster at the MCG.

Smith jnr played three AFL games in an injury-interrupted first AFL season last year, and worked his way into the selection frame following a strong month with Casey in the VFL.

His father, who played 109 games for North Melbourne and Melbourne between 1987 and 1998 said Joel had earnt his opportunity.

“I’m rapt for him. I’m actually quite nervous, because it’s obviously a huge game,” Smith snr told The Age.