Lake, whose main injury problem is a sore hip, said he would start against the Saints in Saturday's preliminary final, and back up for the grand final if necessary.
“I’ve got two games left in me and that’s the main thing,” he told afl.com.au at the All Australian awards on Monday night.
“There are a few little issues that have built up over the year. It affects you a little bit but when you’re out there, you’re trying your butt off for the team.
“As soon as you go over that line you’re 100 per cent and that’s the same for everyone.”
Lake has been one of the Dogs' ever-present figures this year, playing four pre-season games plus all 22 home-and-away matches..
“It’s catching up with me a little bit now but the excitement of finals footy means it doesn’t matter how sore you are, you always get up for those games,” he said.
Defender Dale Morris is a chance to return to face St Kilda despite having suffered what had been described as a season-ending back fracture.
Lake said Morris’ presence would be important against the Saints if he was cleared to play, with Morris having stood Nick Riewoldt in the sides' last few encounters.
“He trained by himself today and did a fair bit of running,” Lake said.
“He’s got to see the surgeon tomorrow or the next day to get the all clear.
“From his side, he seems reasonably confident and the guys around the club were very keen to find out to see if he’s playing because he’s a very crucial part of our side.”
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