A WEEK is a long time in football, and a week off was a handy tonic for veteran defender Brian Lake.
The 33-year-old missed the Hawks’ win over the West Coast Eagles with general soreness, but returned against Geelong to play an important role.
Lake restricted star Cats’ forward Tom Hawkins to just two goals and three marks in the Hawks’ 36-point win, while collecting 14 disposals and taking nine marks himself.
The dual premiership Hawk said the week off had been a boost.
“I felt really good. The first three quarters it definitely helped and I felt a bit fresher,” Lake said after the match.
“I probably pulled up a little bit sore late in the game, but that’s to be expected after a pretty hard sort of game.”
After a disappointing loss to Richmond a fortnight ago, the Hawks have bounced back with strong wins against the Eagles and Cats.
Lake said the Hawks’ work around the contest – particularly through the middle – had been a key factor in the past two wins.
“That’s where the game’s won and lost really these days, from the rucks to the blokes around the ball,” he said.
“If we can win the contested football and get the ball going our way, we’re pretty hard to stop.”
The Hawks need to keep winning to press for a top-two finish.
They face a Port Adelaide side on Friday night that can mathematically still make finals, providing other results fall their way.
Lake said he expected the Power to throw everything at the Hawks.
“They’re going to come out firing, especially after their efforts against us last time where they kicked eight goals in the first quarter at Adelaide Oval (and won),” he said.
“They’re going to have a lot of confidence and that attitude that they’ve got nothing to lose.”
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