THE BEST chance a forward has of beating Western Bulldogs full-back Brian Lake is to remain on the move and avoid leading in straight lines, says Richmond great Matthew Richardson.

Analysing Lake's game on AFL.com.au's The Whiteboard, Richardson said Lake boasted enough 'tricks' to have become an accomplished forward.

The two-time All Australian full-back will again come under strong consideration for a berth in the All Australian team, and Richardson lauds several areas of his game, including his contested marking, kicking and anticipation.

However, he offered a few hints to forwards to enhance their chances of winning a duel with Lake.

"One of the ways to beat Brian is by constant movement, by not standing still, and keeping him on the move because I think he can get a little bit lost at times," Richardson said.

"If you want to lead in straight lines on Brian Lake he’ll beat you nearly every day of the week (because) he's got really good speed, he'll stay with you and spoil and then he'll mop up and get the football, and we know how damaging he can be."

Lake often positions himself well in front of his opponent, which Richardson regards as a potentially risky practice. Richardson observed that in the Bulldogs' round 16 loss to Hawthorn, Lake didn't show enough respect to makeshift forward Ryan Schoenmakers, who kicked two goals.

However, Lake's attacking flair was one of his greatest assets.

"He’s a man the opposition need to watch, because although he plays on the last line at full-back, he can be an offensive weapon as he sets up many scoring opportunities from the back half," Richardson said.

"He likes to get into the corridor and drift down and if you’re not focused on him, he can push right down and put the ball inside 50.

"And the Dogs love to give him the ball because he's a very, very good kick, he's a smart kick and he generally hits the right options."