Former Hawthorn star Brian Lake doesn’t want Leeton-Whitton to tip their game plan upside down on Saturday to accommodate his one-off appearance.
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The triple premiership player has been named in the Crows’ forward line for the local derby against Griffith Swans but the experienced backman said he’s happy to play whatever role the team requires.
“I guess I’ve played centre-half-back and full-back for a very long time in my AFL career,” Lake said.
“But in junior football and local football now (for Caroline Springs in Melbourne’s Western Region League) I’m playing a bit more centre-half-forward, full-forward and even doing some work around the ground as a ruckman, too.”
Lake said he wants to play a part in what the Crows are trying to do for the season, not be a disruption to the team, and he’s happy to be in the hands of coach Jade Hodge.
“I want to be able to fit in to their structures and try to help as much as possible,” Lake said.
“I’m willing to do anything. Hopefully what I can do as well is teach the guys around me and the coach about different times of the game and how the teams are trying to play and what-not.”
Hodge said the town is buzzing about Lake’s visit.
As a first-year coach, he’s looking forward to picking the brain of a 251-game AFL veteran as well as watching what he can do.
“It’s always a bit of a drawcard isn’t it - be exciting if he kicks a few, it’ll get the crowd up and about,” Hodge said.
“I think he’ll be pretty handy up there – obviously a very nice mark of the footy, he reads the ball well and he’s a pretty big guy.”
Lake retired from the AFL last season almost reluctantly after a third flag in three seasons.
The 34-year old is familiar with the Riverina having played with Matt Suckling, Isaac Smith and Luke Breust at Hawthorn and was keen to experience country football.
“I know how passionate country people are about football and I guess the quality of people that have come out of there,” he said.
“It's a very good league and I want to experience playing in the country before I do eventually finish.”
Lake’s been to Leeton previously for a golf event and caught up with some of the Crows players.
He’ll be back on Friday night for a light run with the side after junior coaching clinics.
“I think that’s important – you’ve got to get to know the guys a little instead of just rocking up on game-day and meeting these guys for the first time,” he said.
Lake is the only change for the Crows, who have lost Ben Curley (knee) for a couple of weeks.
Lake will also be the guest of honour at a sportsman’s night after the match.