Future of Western Bulldogs defender Brian Lake up in the air

[The Coon Dog]

Matt Windley - Herald Sun - 16 September

http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2009/09/01/1225768/222558-brian-lake.jpg

WESTERN Bulldogs defender Brian Lake admits he does not know if he will be at the club next season.

The 2009-10 All-Australian had an injury-ravaged 2011 in which he played just five games before being put in cotton wool mid-season.

With the Bulldogs to appoint a new coach in the coming weeks following the sacking of Rodney Eade, Lake said he was not sure where he stood at the Bulldogs.

"I signed on two years ago for a four-year deal,'' Lake said.

"So I'm expected to fulfil that contract.

Article in full... (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/future-of-western-bulldogs-defender-brian-lake-up-in-the-air/story-fn69a32t-1226139114054)

[bornadog]

My guess is Lake will be there next year fit and firing and ready to capture his AA form under the new coach. Lets hope so as he is one of the best fullbacks I have seen in the last 20 years and would hate to see him play in different colours.

[chef]

My guess is Lake will be there next year fit and firing and ready to capture his AA form under the new coach. Lets hope so as he is one of the best fullbacks I have seen in the last 20 years and would hate to see him play in different colours.

This, this and this.

[Grantysghost]

Not if Monty gets the gig...

[MrMahatma]

Wouldve thought it more likely that someone else gets the head job and they get rid of the assistants we currently have.

If we're looking for a change - then go all out.

Hopefully Brian is around next year. Such a gun and I'd say even underrated. He's an extraordinary player.

[OLD SCRAGGer]

Wouldve thought it more likely that someone else gets the head job and they get rid of the assistants we currently have.

If we're looking for a change - then go all out.

Hopefully Brian is around next year. Such a gun and I'd say even underrated. He's an extraordinary player.

Fully agree with this !!!

[Mofra]

Wonder how McCartney will handle Brian?

By reputation, someone who has faith in the players yet insists on strict adherance to a gameplan.

[LostDoggy]

I really hope Brian stays a Bulldog as I love the man. Deep man-love…

However, what I'd want more is for the decision to be made, once and for all, by both parties. Brian: Play out your days with the Dogs and step back into the team and culture, or go now. Club: Back him 100%, publicly and privately, and keep him onboard; or cut your losses and trade him now.

If we traded him now, we'd get a lot more than we'd get this time next year, especially if his issues this year continue. I don't want him traded, of course, I want him right where he is, but I also don't want to see the bloke playing for Williamstown and not moulding with the rest of the team when we could have a young bloke wearing the 36 in his place who wants to be here and who we all want here as well.

As I said at the start of my post, some hard calls need to be made either way. And stuck to.

[boydogs]

As I said at the start of my post, some hard calls need to be made either way. And stuck to.

Back him in, Brendan ;)