BRIAN Lake is sure that whatever Hawthorn decides at the end of this season, he still has a lot to offer as an AFL key defender.

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson confirmed on Friday that they would wait until the end of this season before deciding whether they offer Lake a new contract.

The 33-year-old Norm Smith medallist, who is on a one-year deal, had hoped to know his future well before then.

Lake said he had not thought about going to another club next year, but is confident that he can keep playing.

"I think I'm still very capable, even at my age ... that I can take and stand on the key forwards," he said.

"I have plenty left to give."

Lake said he accepted Hawthorn's decision to hold off the decision about a new contract.

"I'm happy with how it's going to go," he said.

"I would have liked it before finals, but as you've heard, the club is going to wait until the end of the year - that's how it's going to be." 

Still, Lake did not hide his disappointment.

"As a 33-year-old, you like to know what's going to happen for next year," he said.

"Leaving it to the end of the season, if we do play in a Grand Final, it's October 3 and you stop getting paid on October 31. 

"So you have 20 days to find a job."