WESTERN Bulldogs fullback Brian Lake has emerged from his first serious hit-out unscathed and showing more than a few promising signs that he might be able to recapture his best form.
Lake was the star attraction in his much-hyped comeback match against Carlton in Sunday night's NAB Cup match at Etihad Stadium, and he didn't let anyone down with a polished performance in the first half before enjoying a well-earned rest.
The two-time All-Australian had seven disposals, took contested marks at his first two attempts and showed surprising dash given the shoulder, hip, groin and knee problems that ended his 2011 season by round 11.
The 30-year-old was into the action in the opening two minutes, outmarking Carlton forward Levi Casboult with a superbly judged effort from behind.
Soon after he gave the same treatment to Blues ruckman/forward Shaun Hampson (who stands 7cm taller than Lake).
Midway through the opening term, Lake was the catalyst for a goal. Hampson dropped a mark and Lake won the hard ball at ground level before starting a chain of possessions that led to goal to Luke Dahlhaus.
His confidence rising, Lake even burst forward to receive a handball and deliver a precise pass to fellow veteran Daniel Giansiracusa inside 50.
In the second term Lake could do little to stop a deft Marc Murphy pass from hitting Hampson, but it mattered nought - the big Blue's shot sailed out on the full.
Perhaps Lake's only mistake was when he lost body contact with Hampson, who marked strongly and kicked a goal.
Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney was impressed with Lake's performance.
"We've been really proud of the way Brian's applied himself over the summer," McCartney said.
"We've been really happy with all our boys in rehab. It's not an easy place to be … He's going to help."
Another huge inclusion for the Bulldogs was Adam Cooney, who also pleased his coach.
"He had some good game time and showed what he can do," McCartney said.
"The difficulty with not being out on the track all the time through the summer with everyone else is that it's not second nature to stand here or stand there or set up the way a lot of our younger players have been coached quite strongly to do. But he'll pick that up really quickly."
