Brian Lake, premier fullback, All-Australian and 2007 club Best and Fairest has, for mine, played his last match for the Western Bulldogs, and I look forward to those at Whitten Oval proving me wide of the mark.
I put this in writing to question Rodney Eade, who recently stated that he had no concerns that his key upholder of the back line will stay on at the club.
A knee injury has ruled Lake out for the rest of the year; an injury that never recovered from surgery pre-season.
Former Port Adelaide and Western Bulldog forward, and current Bulldogs assistant coach Brett Montgomery questioned Lake’s mental toughness to play with an injury.
Lake had called for time-out from the game and do an earlier pre-season with the undertaking to recuperate and come back fresh in 2012. In spite of this, that request was denied and he was made to play in the VFL.
This isn’t the first time Lake has collided with a coach at the club; rumours surfaced in relation to ever-increasing tension between Lake and ‘Rocket’ Eade last year and have developed further this year.
Using a select few of Rocket’s words, I have no doubt that Lake will be in different colours next year – not the red, white and blue.
It has been reported that Lake has plenty of interest from other clubs, and one thing that is worthy of note is that Collingwood have a big name in their sights. Could it be Lake?
Lake does have two years outstanding on his contract but that hasn’t blocked clubs from trading players in the past.
The most up-to-date news declaring Lake out for the season I deem as the determining factor.
I wrote an article in late June that there would be change at Whitten Oval come off-season; one being a new coach but even if this doesn’t eventuate, Lake won’t continue on with the ‘Dogs.
Lake has received a substantial quantity of disparagement this year as a result of a perceived lack of interest and poor form. Can that be credited to injuries with his sideline?
Only one person knows.
Where will he line up next year?
Trev
Guest
I dont know where these claims off Lake having a attuide problem and being lazy are coming from. You dont become a 2 time AA and a B&F winner if you are lazy.
Ben
Guest
He definitely could end up at GWS. If for no other reason other than to mentor the young players and teach them how to play solid defense.
Ben
Guest
One thing's for sure, he's been a great player and deserves to be seen off in style.
camcallsthegame
Roar Pro
Greater Western Sydney
Lindsay
Guest
I will be very surprised if Lake is gone next year. Nothing against Lake but he has a backended contract that would require a fair amount of space in a cap to bring Lake over. There has been a rumour of Lake to Westcoast who need another quality tall back to complete there premiership puzzle. Time will tell but I do believe its either Lake or Eade to go.
amazonfan
Roar Guru
He was named All-Australian two years in a row, and won a club B&F two seasons before that, so I think he was more than just a flash in the pan.
Lachlan
Roar Guru
GWS?
camcallsthegame
Roar Pro
A play with the ilk of Ben Rutten would be very handy for GWS in teaching the young players.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Now that you meniton it, not sure if he really is mentor material for young players.
camcallsthegame
Roar Pro
I'm unsure if they would give up high drafts picks (GWS) although Lake could well be used in a mentor capacity if he had that skill. IF you look at stats against the big forwards, Brian Lake has proven himself over and over.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
He may not rate as highly as Fletcher or Scarlett, and I'd agree he'd have his occasional brain explosions, but he was certainly a top 8 key defender at one point.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
He'd be a very good fit for GWS, not sure of the exact rules, but I suspect the dogs could win some pretty good draft concessions if they could work out a deal.
camcallsthegame
Roar Pro
@LK, Lake developed into a very talented player after a slow start where he also attracted criticism. If he can get his body right, he can contribute at a high level for whoever he lines up for. I believe a change is needed for both parties - when you have coaches attacking you in public and displaying lack of trust, there are problems.
Phil Meddick
Guest
I think the game has passed him. He was only ever a flash in the pan - does not rate compared to Fletcher or Scarlett. I wouldn't want my club to offer big dollars for him.
LK
Guest
Yeah, nah. He qualifies for the veterans list soon. So the Bulldogs would have to contribute heavily to his salary elsewhere. As mentioned, he is coming off a season riddled with injuries and attitude issues. He's 30ish and has a few years of good footy left. He is worth more to the Bulldogs than what they can get for him in a trade. I would be cranky if the Swans traded for him. Thankfully defence isn't really a problem, so I can't see it happening. GWS an outside chance, I guess. Remind me again, who was the last player with commitment issues, and a heavily backended contract to get traded? That's right - Fev! Admitedly he had a few other issues....