Hawthorn have wasted little time beginning the regeneration of the oldest premiership team in AFL history, calling time on the careers of triple flag-winning stars Brian Lake and David Hale.
Lake, 33, would like to have played on for one more year.
But with the Hawks looking to rejuvenate an ageing squad, the key defender understood why coach Alastair Clarkson decided it was time to look to the future as the club look to emulate the famed Collingwood “machine” team of 1927-30 which won four straight premierships.
“I would have loved to have kept going, but always things have to come to an end,” said Lake.
“I’m happy with that.
“I’ve come to terms with it now and I’m looking forward to enjoying food and a few beers and not stressing about coming back for pre-season in good shape.”
Lake will not seek a move to a third AFL club.
Ruckman Hale, 31, had been expected to hang up the boots after Saturday’s decider, in which he ended wearing the red substitute’s vest.
Lake played 251 games with the Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn while Hale’s career included 237 matches with North Melbourne and the Hawks.
Clarkson paid tribute to the departing duo.
“This club’s had to retire some very, very decorated players over the journey and it’s nearly the most difficult part of your job,” Clarkson said.
“It’s always really tough to be involved in coaching and put an end to some careers, in a sense.
“But these guys made a great contribution – it’s very rare in footy that players get to go out on a really good note like this.”
The Hawks have a ready-made replacement for Hale in Jonathan Ceglar, who was somewhat unlucky to miss out on the 2014 and 2015 grand final teams, with Clarkson preferring Hale and Ben McEvoy as his ruck combination.
Lake could be harder to replace, with his peerless ability to take intercept marks in defence again on show in the big win over the Eagles last Saturday.
“They’ve been excellent for us, Lakey grabbed the Norm Smith Medal two years ago and Haley has been with us for five or six years,” said captain Luke Hodge.
“You have blokes like that you want to keep around the footy club but unfortunately with their body, or it’s time to move on and it’s a sad day.”
Four other members of Hawthorn’s 2015 flag-winning team are also aged over 30 – Hodge, Shaun Burgoyne, Josh Gibson and Sam Mitchell – while Jordan Lewis turns 30 in April.
All are expected to play on in 2016.
mattyb
Guest
Unfortunately yes.Lake was actually our best player there for a number of years.
bazza
Guest
I don`t know why Lake was punted..No one else come close to his closing speed,contested marking abilty and strength in one on one contests in the HAWKS BACKLINE.. Massive Error!! i think he was harshly treated and i hope he plays somewhere else..
Pumping Dougie
Guest
Brian Lake was Brian Harris. Lemumba was O'Brien. Whiskas was Gary 'Bhudda' Hocking and I think Rooke's first name was Jarad. Don't know the rest. I'm guessing Maister might have been Waters. Terry Wheeler?
Pumping Dougie
Guest
Looks like AFL.com.au has been reading my posts! They've just suggested the Bulldogs throw Lake a lifeline.
Perry Bridge
Guest
re Brian Lake - without googling - by what name was he known when he first started? and a couple of others : Kristian Bardsley : Max Rooke : Heritier Lumumba : Beau Maister : going back a little further Sandford Wheeler : and a bonus point Whiskas :
Pumping Dougie
Guest
I reckon Lake is one of the greatest Full Backs I've ever seen, behind only Silvagni. On a par with Langford. I think he's worth the Dogs offering him a one year contract to return to the club and help its quest to play and be a threat in finals, while Roughhead, Hamling, Fletcher Roberts and Zaine Cordy develop.
Wilson
Roar Guru
so going via that crows have not poached so the hawks have not poached good to see we agree
Edgar Slosh
Roar Guru
Betts wanted to get out of Carlton, can you blame him? Thompson wasn't wanted by Melbourne. Jacobs was being overlooked at Carlton. Both Cheney and Lowden were told they weren't required.
Wilson
Roar Guru
Everitt was traded due to off-field discretions and a lack of discipline at the Saints. so they wanted him gone Salmon was aware that his time at the Bomber was coming to a end and he requested the trade to the Hawks. Rehn unsure about so out of the 3 there ill give you one as poached and you can't say the Crows have not Poached Promising player Betts, Cheney , Thompson, Jacobs, and Lowden (Who was developed by the Hawks then Poached by the Crows and the reason now that we will have to poach or draft a ruckmen this year. :) )
Edgar Slosh
Roar Guru
Only 3 ruckmen invited to the draft combine. Mabior Chol, Andre Parrella, Mitchell King plus there is Kyle Galloway who at 206cm is raw but has a future
Edgar Slosh
Roar Guru
So they'll do what they always do, poach a promising player from another team instead of recruiting one and nurturing his talent. The Hawks seem to do this especially with rucks. Rehn, Everitt, Salmon, etc
AR
Guest
Very smart decision by Hawthorn. Holding on for "one more" always ends in tears. Rejuvenate now, bring in Ceglar for Hale and allow Litherland, Spangher and others to jostle for Lakes spot. 3 flags in your last 3 seasons...not many players can claim that!
Wilson
Roar Guru
I dont this so there are young Hawks that are ready to step in I think the haws will be more looking at the Midfield and the Ruck as Tim said we need on more Ruckmen do fill a gap in case McEvoy/Ceglar go down.
Wilson
Roar Guru
is there much in the way of Ruckmen in this year Draft? and was just thinking Schoenmaker was doing a bit of Ruck work in the game he played could the be looking at him like they did with Roughead a few years ago?
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
I agree, but do not discount Hale's loss. He leaves our rucks very suspect, with it only needing a serious injury to either McEvoy/Ceglar to land us in real stew. But, I am sure they will address this in the trade period
Bill
Guest
Hawks member unhappy with this news. Another year would make sense.
WhereIsGene
Guest
Lake will be sorely missed, superb player who frequently made the league's top forwards look second rate.
johno
Guest
Wonder if he gets to keep the red vest?
Penster
Guest
Plus a Norm Smith for Lake. Not bad for mature age recruits.
Edgar Slosh
Roar Guru
And as I have been saying for the past few months, the door is open for Jake Carlisle to walk straight in.