Brian Lake

Recruited by the Western Bulldogs with pick 71 in the 2001 National Draft, the player originally known as Brian Harris developed into a formidable key defender, renowned for his exceptional intercept marking and ability to read the flight of the ball. Over a decade at the Whitten Oval, he earned two All-Australian selections and the 2007 Charles Sutton Medal, establishing himself as the anchor of the Bulldogs' defence during their preliminary final runs under Rodney Eade. However, as the club entered a rebuilding phase and questions arose regarding his form and motivation, Lake requested a trade to Hawthorn at the end of 2012 in pursuit of elusive team success.

The move proved to be a masterstroke, as Lake filled the long-standing void in the Hawks' backline to become a critical component of their premiership dynasty. He cemented his legacy in his first season at Hawthorn, winning the Norm Smith Medal in the 2013 Grand Final for his dominant aerial performance against Fremantle. Lake went on to play a pivotal role in the club's 2014 and 2015 flag triumphs, retiring as a three-time premiership player who had successfully transformed from a stalwart at a struggling side to a defensive icon in the twilight of his career.