WHERE Geelong should play Harry Taylor in 2017 might be filling idle hours of football chat, but at this stage Cats' coach Chris Scott is being guided by the thoughts of the man himself.

And the All-Australian defender's preference is to play forward of the ball.

Scott said he was happy to debate the issue and did not disagree with the notion that Taylor was, right now, a better defender than a forward.

But he also said because he was constantly talking with the 30-year-old dual premiership defender, he was confident the potential benefits of persisting outweighed any negatives.

And Taylor's understanding of how his role could improve the team was critical to their willingness to persist.

WATCH: Chris Scott's press conference

"I don't mind saying publicly his preference is to play forward at the moment," Scott said.

"We do place a lot of weight on what our players think. They are experts in their field, especially a player like Harry. He understands the game well and he has an acute understanding of what is best for the team."

The vice-captain is renowned for his meticulous preparation and capacity to accept huge challenges.

He has also shown his class in defence whenever he has been pushed back during the first three rounds.

Scott said the option of Taylor returning to defence remained ever-present and there was no evidence that his lack of possessions or goals was affecting his confidence.

"From the outside I can see how that could be perceived as a risk, but we're in the fortunate position where we talk every day and have a much better gauge on how he is going with it all," Scott said.

"His headspace and his confidence levels aren't a problem at the moment."