• Grand Final preview: Hawthorn v West Coast
• Last time they met: Hawthorn v West Coast
• What you need to know for the Grand Final
BRIAN Lake isn't ready to say goodbye to football, and the Hawthorn veteran hopes a vintage Grand Final performance will convince the Hawks to offer him a new contract
Lake's future has been in limbo all season, despite the out-of-contract 33-year-old pitching to coach Alastair Clarkson for a new deal.
While he knows Saturday's game could be his last, Lake has the chance to prove his value by shutting down one of West Coast's dangerous tall forwards – led by Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy.
"I'd love to always play a good game. I don't know if it's going to be another Norm Smith sort of game, but if I can contribute and just play my role hopefully that helps me," Lake said.
Lake's enjoyed a dream run since he crossed to Waverley from the Western Bulldogs at the end of 2012.
The 250-gamer was adjudged best on ground in the '13 decider and is this year gunning for his third-straight flag.
Despite his advancing years, the old Dog claims his body is feeling the best it has for five seasons, and the Grand Final will be his 22nd appearance in 2015 – his most games in a season at Hawthorn.
"It's not my body that's giving way on me, so it's just I guess what the club wants and where they're heading after this game," Lake said.
"When you're 33 you've nearly got to treat every game as your last, but it's still an awkward feeling of saying it's going to be your last game."
Lake could be one of two Hawks retirees, with ruckman David Hale also out of contract and weighing up his future.
Hale, who's become a dual premiership ruckman since crossing from North Melbourne in 2010, said the result of the Grand Final wouldn't be a factor in his decision whether to hang up the boots.
"I'll just get through tomorrow and then sit down with the club and family and decide what's best after that. There's no real decision yet," the 31-year-old said.
"At the moment (my body's) feeling good. So who knows? Just getting through another pre-season's the thing, I suppose."
Hale has been substituted out of all three of Hawthorn's finals and looms as the Hawk to be handed the red vest once more against West Coast.
But first the 236-gamer will face a critical job of nullifying Eagles superstar Nic Naitanui's influence at centre bounces, and trying to hit the scoreboard for the Hawks.
"Obviously he's got all the athletic ability, so you try and use your footy smarts and footy nous and try and use your strengths in other areas," Hale said.
"I'll try and nullify the impact he can have and hopefully both of us can get forward and kick goals and hurt him in other areas."
