AFTER two years of stoutly defending Ryan Schoenmakers and its troublesome defence, Hawthorn has moved to shore up its back line by recruiting Brian Lake.

Hawthorn yesterday secured the two-time All-Australian full-back from the Western Bulldogs for the Hawks' first two picks in the national draft - selections 21 and 41.

Switching clubs: Brian Lake (right) is a Hawk. Credit:Sebastian Costanzo

The Hawks will get Lake and the Bulldogs' second-round pick (No. 27) as part of the deal.

Effectively, Hawthorn gets Lake for pick 41 while sliding six places in the draft, which may not seem to be extravagant compensation to the Bulldogs for a player of Lake's ability.