GEELONG'S defensive stocks have taken a further blow with Lachie Henderson undergoing his third bout of knee surgery since last season.

Henderson was sent for an arthroscope on Tuesday morning when he failed to reach full fitness after his most recent surgery in December.

"Lachie’s knee surgery went as expected, we believe this will allow him to return to football later this year," Geelong general manager of football Simon Lloyd said.



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"Lachie continues to remain focused on doing all he can to get back to football and will work closely with the club’s medical team on the next steps in his rehab.”

It comes after coach Chris Scott hinted Henderson had turned the corner three weeks ago, before clarifying his comments on Friday.

"I did say that, but it just seems to continue to frustrate that issue because it's not clear exactly when he'll get back.

"It's been also a little hard to read because he's been functioning at a reasonable level, but the last, whatever it is, 10 or 20 per cent hasn't been forthcoming.

Meanwhile, fellow key defender Harry Taylor walked laps on Tuesday as he continues his recovery from a plantar fascia injury sustained in round one against Melbourne.