Eade and Lake, footy's odd Couple.

WESTERN Bulldogs fullback Brian Lake and coach Rodney Eade are footy's version of the odd couple.

Apart from the obvious debate about where Gazza's going to be playing in 2011, injuries and the speed of the game, an interesting side note to this AFL season I've discovered is the love hate relationship between the Bulldogs Lake and Rodney Eade.

North Melbourne coach Brad Scott was subject to criticism from former "old school" coach and now commentator Malcolm Blight recently for being too soft on his players in the wake of the 104 point thumping at the hands of St.Kilda.

Eade however, another coach from the old school, could not be criticised of the same treatment on Brian Lake.

Watching with interest I cringe at the sight of a costly turnover by Lake in the backline knowing that along with powerade, the inevitable spray from Eade will be waiting for him at the quarter time break.

Sure enough Rocket doesn't dissapoint, marching out to the huddle with hands raised, brow furrowed and in true Bulldog style barking in the direction of a frustrated Lake. What ensues can be compared to a school headmaster chastising a misbehaving student.

During a recent interview on Channel 10's Before The Game team mate Ben Hudson muses at the "stare" that Lake offers Eade when on the receiving end of a grilling.

The comedy act continues at the conclusion of the game. TV cameras capture Rocket and Lake in the change rooms, now arm in arm giving a rousing rendetion of the team song after a Bulldogs win. However when all appears forgiven Eade isn't finished and turns to Lake, finger pointing and offering yet more helpful advice as the other players disperse to begin their warm down, classic stuff.

Still, in a day of modern coaches teaching an nurturing players, choosing constructive criticism and being careful not to break the spirits of young charges in particular, no player repsonds to a quarter time spray quite like Lake.

Against Hawthorn he held the superstar forward Lance 'Buddy' Franklin goal less, collecting 27 disposals along the way, and went with Brisbane champion Jonathon Brown, who many have recently compared to Wayne Carey , for three quarters until he ran out of steam in the GABBA heat conceding two late goals in a 22 point loss.

Ranked in the top 15 for total marks this season with 35 in 5 games, including, 10 against the Crows, the number 71 pick of the 2001 draft formerly of Weribee is in solid form and has become one of the competitions premier fullbacks. Rodney Eade will be hoping that this form doesn't deviate as the Bulldogs continue the push for just their second premiership.

Otherwise there are sure to be plenty more bakes in store for big Brian Lake.