Local footy 2021: Brian Lake to play for Caroline Springs in WRFL

The three-time Hawthorn premiership player is set to take the field this weekend after his life ban was overturned.

Brian Lake’s return is a big boost for Caroline Springs. Picture: David Smith

Brian Lake is poised to make his return to the Western Region Football League this weekend.

The three-time Hawthorn premiership player has been given the green light to play for Caroline Springs this season in a boost for the Division 1 club’s finals hopes.

Lake was de-registered after copping a two-week suspension in May, 2019, but that ruling has since been overturned on appeal, paving the way for the 39-year-old to take the field.

Lake made 251 AFL appearances — 197 for the Western Bulldogs and 54 for Hawthorn — and played a key role in the Hawks’ three-peat, claiming the North Smith Medal for best-afield in the 2013 grand final.

He was selected in the All-Australian team in 2009 and 2010, while he claimed the Bulldogs’ best-and-fairest in 2007.

Caroline Springs president Terry Azzopardi confirmed Lake was likely to feature in the club’s home clash against Deer Park on Saturday.

Brian Lake with his Norm Smith and premiership medals in 2013. Picture: Michael Wilson

“It’s good to see him in a good frame of mind,” Azzopardi said.

“He’s a good person to have around, a good club person. His off-field stuff is great.

“We’ve got such a young crew too, so he’s a teacher and a bit of a mentor.

“From that point of view, it’s invaluable.”

Lake has displayed encouraging form for the Lakers in recent weeks, kicking 12 goals from three practice matches.

He has played 28 games for Caroline Springs since his AFL retirement and was an important part of its Division 2 premiership in 2016, finishing the campaign with 52 majors.

He bagged five goals from two senior outings in 2019 before his suspension triggered a life ban.

“He won’t be at his peak, especially in Round 1,” Azzopardi said.

“But hopefully get him for as many games as possible, manage him week to week. He’ll be handy.

“There’s not many who can beat him one-on-one. He’s obviously a strong body.”

While Caroline Springs coach Brodie Holland has the luxury of playing the ex-AFL defender at either end of the ground, Lake could partner former Adelaide player Will Young in the attacking half.

Young, who had one season with the Crows in 2010, has crossed to the Lakers from North Ballarat City, where he kicked 24 goals from 13 games two years ago.

“That’s probably what we’ve lacked, a few tall targets,” Azzopardi said.

“It just gives us a bit more potency.”

Brock McGregor (Keilor) and Jy Lambley (Wyndhamvale) have also joined Caroline Springs since the end of 2019.

Azzopardi said the club was bullish about its young talent, headlined by the likes of Cody Raak, Ethan Mantas, Steve Kyriazis, Zen Christofi, Tyler Gysberts, Max Tessari, Jesse Cavanagh and Tate Wood.

He said Holland, who coached Maribyrnong Park to back-to-back flags in the Essendon District league in 2009 and 2010, was excited about his stable of young guns.

“It’s a little bit different to what he’s had in the past at Marby Park, where he had ready-made players,” Azzopardi said.

“It’s a different challenge and I think he’s relishing that challenge developing these kids and seeing them grow over the last 3-4 years.”

The Lakers have high expectations in 2021 after claiming two wins in 2017, four in 2018 and six in 2019.

“Finals, that’s our aim,” Azzopardi said.

“We need to start playing finals. Whether we sneak in and play one game or two, we need to start experiencing that finals atmosphere and what it takes to win finals games.

“We know we’re still young. We’ve got a good core of 17-22 year olds … but our 17-19 (age range) is very strong and we’ve been waiting for these kids to come through.”