Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade says he has no doubt champion fullback Brian Lake will remain with the AFL club next year.

Eade says Lake, who won't play again this season because of knee surgery, is determined to fight back from the first major setback of his career and he wants to do it in Bulldogs' colours.

Lake was named in the All-Australian side in 2009 and 2010 but has generated a series of negative headlines for the club this year.

His five senior appearances included some mediocre performances by Lake's own high standards, and his work-rate and willingness to train hard to get himself into the best-possible condition have been questioned.

"We had a discussion for a week or so and thought 'what's the best scenario for Brian for next year', and it's really to get him there in day one of pre-season," Eade told reporters on Wednesday.

"He'll do some more weights and some strengthening on his quads to get a bit more size on them before he has the operation.

"It'll be five or six weeks before he's back running so he'll be back for day one of pre-season."

Eade said he was 100 per cent sure Lake would stay with the Bulldogs next year and that he'd be motivated to return to his best form after an injury-interrupted 2011 season.

"He talks about that," Eade said.

"He's disappointed that he hasn't been able to play to his level.

"It's the first real setback that he's had.

"But I think once this decision has been made, he has been pleased about that and he's focusing now on where he wants to get to."

Bulldogs football manager James Fantasia said he was disappointed Lake's management had suggested earlier this season that the star defender could be open to offers.

Lake is contracted until the end of 2013.

"It's difficult enough when players are out of contract, to put up with that sort of speculation," Fantasia told Radio 3AW on Wednesday.

"That kind of speculation I don't think is useful for anyone.

"I will say this categorically. Brian Lake is a very important part of our footy club."

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs will rest Shaun Higgins and Brownlow medallist Adam Cooney from Saturday's clash with fifth-placed West Coast at Etihad Stadium because of knee soreness.

Justin Sherman, who has served a four-match ban for racial abuse, is a possible inclusion.

Daniel Cross (concussion) is still in some doubt while former All-Australian defender Dale Morris (groin) will be named on Thursday night and given every chance to prove his fitness.

Backmen Jason Tutt and Christian Howard, a pair of 20-year-olds who have played four games between them, are also possible inclusions for the 12th-placed Bulldogs.

Tall defender Ryan Hargrave might be recalled after one VFL game back from a foot injury.

Barry Hall didn't train on Wednesday because of illness but is expected to play.

Robert Murphy, who missed last week's loss to Sydney with a groin strain, trained strongly on Wednesday.

The Eagles thumped the Bulldogs by 123 points in round nine.

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