THREE-TIME Hawthorn premiership player Brian Lake is preparing to strap on the boots for the Leeton-Whitton Crows next weekend.
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Lake retired at the end of last year’s AFL season, fresh off his third consecutive premiership with the club.
All up, he played 251 AFL games for both the Hawks and the Western Bulldogs.
Lake hasn’t completely given the game away having already played six matches for Caroline Springs this season.
“It’s been different getting used to ‘local’ footy again,” he said.
“I’ve found it to be really good. My body is feeling good. I’m still enjoying playing.”
Lake said playing in one-off appearances for clubs was something he would like to pursue, but he would continue playing regular club football as well.
“I like to be match fit,” he said. “I wouldn’t like to turn up to a club unprepared.”
Lake has been battling the flu for the past week, but said he would be ready for his game with the Crows.
Leeton-Whitton will take on the Griffith Swans when Lake comes to town.
“I’ll play wherever the coach needs me to,” he said.
“I’ve been playing a bit of defence with Caroline Springs, but I can pretty much go wherever they need me.
“It would be good to have a run around down back or do some ruck work around the ground.”
Before playing in the AFL, Lake always wanted to play for the Adelaide Crows. “I’ll be able to pull on a replica Crows guernsey, which is pretty cool,” he said. “I always wanted to play for the Crows when I was younger.”
As well as being a three-time premiership player for the Hawks in 2013, 2014 and 2015, he also won the Norm Smith Medal in 2013.
Lake was named in the All-Australian Team in 2009 and 2010, as well as winning the Western Bulldogs best and fairest honour in 2007.
Since retiring from AFL, Lake has also been kept busy signing on to many media programs, including on radio and television. “I’m really enjoying that,” he said. “When you’re playing you’re a bit restricted on what you can say, but now you can voice whatever opinion you like.”
Lake will line up for Leeton-Whitton on May 7 at Leeton Showground.