Premier fullback, All-Australian and 2007 club Best & Fairest Brian Lake has played his last match for the Western Bulldogs – in my opinion and I look forward to those at Whitten Oval proving me wide of the mark.
I put this in writing and question the verity of senior coach Rodney Eade who came out recently stating that he has no qualms 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 the 2009 and 2010 All-Australian has collided with a coach at the club; rumours surfaced in relation to ever-increasing tension between Lake and Rocket 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 profoundly reported that Lake has engrossed interest from other clubs, and one thing that is worthy of note is that Collingwood have a big name in their sights…Brian perhaps?
Ricky Olarenshaw, manager for the top dog, in June of this year starved of in talk that he was endeavouring to orchestrate an end-of-season trade away from the Western Bulldogs for his star client. Lake does have two years outstanding on his contract but that hasn’t blocked clubs from trade players in the past.
The most up-to-date news declaring Lake out for the year I deem will be the ultimate strike and determining factor. I recorded an article (http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/06/22/top-bulldog-must-let-a-new-chief-enter-the-kennel/) in late June that there would be change at Whitten Oval come the off-season; one being a new coach but even if this does eventuate, if won’t be sufficient for Lake to 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 – now, can that be credited to injuries with his sideline?
Only one person knows.
Where will he line up next year?
Cameron Larkin .com 