Former Hawk Brian Lake released from custody in Japan

Three-time Hawthorn premiership defender Brian Lake has been released from custody in Japan without any charges.

The 2013 Norm Smith Medallist had been detained for six days following his arrest due to an alcohol-fueled incident over the weekend. 

The former All-Australian defender was in Japan as a part of the AFL Asia competition in Osaka following his travels to Fiji to take part in the reality show Australian Survivor.

Lake's manager Marty Pask traveled to Japan in order to aid in the 36-year-old's release and issued a statement following the news.

"Brian was this afternoon released from custody without charge and will return home from Osaka to Australia over the weekend," the statement read.

"It’s obviously been a tough week for Brian, but he’s looking forward to returning home to see his loved ones.

"He’s grateful for the support and guidance he received throughout this process, in particular from his legal representation and the Australian Consulate.

"Brian will share his story when he’s ready, but we ask for his privacy to be respected in the meantime.” 

There were fears for Lake's safety prior to his release with the news that he could have faced up to 23 days in custody without charge. 

Lake's teammates lost track of him after a sportsman's night on Saturday, with his coach Ricky Olarenshaw initially attributing Lake's absence the following morning due to a hangover.

"No one saw it ... so details are very vague," he said.

"We don't know whether it was a push-and-shove, or it was a verbal argument or a punch."

Lake played 251 AFL games, including 197 for the Western Bulldogs before crossing to Hawthorn to snare three flags and retire in 2015.