FINDING a foil for Tom Hawkins has long been on the agenda at Geelong.

While the key forward for the Cats bagged 55 goals last season, he struggled to find a period of prolonged consistency.

Quite clearly, he could have benefited from having a partner inside 50.

Yet, despite an off-season where Geelong recruited Aaron Black from North Melbourne and Timm House at the national draft, a regular second forward spot remains up for grabs.

Round 18

But the options are open for coach Chris Scott.

Ruck duo Zac Smith and Rhys Stanley rotated through the forward line last season, but finished the year with a combined tally of just 29 goals between them.

Whether Scott partners Smith in the ruck with Mark Blicavs, allowing someone like Stanley to spend more time forward, remains to be seen. But, from the outside looking in, it appears a logical option following a year where Stanley kicked 17 goals from 21 games.

Black’s chances of earning an immediate spot in the side appear slim, having played only three games in the last two years of his career at North Melbourne. Meanwhile, the 21-year-old House is an unknown prospect having been picked up from Geelong’s VFL affiliate side with Pick 68.

The other option Scott might have available to him is to swing Lachie Henderson forward.

Recruited from Carlton in exchange for a first-round draft pick, Henderson spent the majority of his maiden season at Geelong in defence.

However, he enjoyed a period at the Blues where he slotted 70 goals from 57 games across three years, making it a tempting change to keep up Scott’s sleeve.

Over the next month, foxfooty.com.au will be previewing your team’s best 22.

As always, there will be some contentious decisions — and some unlucky omissions.

Scroll down and leave a comment to have your say.

NB: These line ups don’t take into account current injuries or suspensions.

Should the Cats throw Henderson forward? Picture: Mitch Bear. Source: News Corp Australia

THE LOCK

Patrick Dangerfield — The star midfielder couldn’t have arrived at Geelong with more expectations last season. Yet he delivered more than what could have been asked of him. Dangerfield averaged 31.8 disposals and a goal per game to win the Brownlow Medal with a record number of votes. He’ll once again be expected to lead the Geelong midfield as the Cats head into a big 2017 season.

THE BUBBLE

Nakia Cockatoo — A top 10 selection when he was drafted by Geelong in 2014, Cockatoo managed only 10 games last season due to form and fitness issues. Electric at his best, the youngster has tended to frustrate Cats fans so far, but remains a talented prospect that the club rates highly. He’ll likely start the season on the fringes of the best team, but will hopefully make a spot his own in 2017.

THE RISING STAR

Jackson Thurlow — The 22-year-old was expected to have his breakthrough season at Geelong last year, before doing his knee in the pre-season and missing the entire campaign. It was a devastating blow for the young defender, who had shown glimpses of his talent throughout the first 29 games of his career. Expect him to return to the side’s best 22 when fully fit, where hopefully he will fulfil his potential.

IT’S A BIG YEAR FOR ...

Steven Motlop — Influential at his best, non-existent at his worst, Motlop simply must find some consistency in 2017. Coming into the last year of his contract, it’s not unreasonable to suggest Motlop may find himself elsewhere in 2018 if his form doesn’t drastically improve in the next 12 months. Still in the side’s best 22 to start the year, it will be intriguing to see how the season develops for Motlop throughout the year.

BEST 22

B: Lachie Henderson, Tom Lonergan, Jackson Thurlow

HB: Zach Tuohy, Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie

C: Cam Guthrie, Joel Selwood, Mark Blicavs

HF: Daniel Menzel, Rhys Stanley, Steven Motlop

F: Nakia Cockatoo, Tom Hawkins, Lincoln McCarthy

FOLL: Zac Smith, Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan

I/C: Scott Selwood, Sam Menegola, Jed Bews, Darcy Lang

EMG: Jordan Murdoch, Cory Gregson, Tom Ruggles

OTHERS: Jake Kolodjashnij, Brandan Parfitt, Wylie Buzza, Matthew Hayball, Esava Ratugolea, Josh Cowan, Quinton Narkle, Aaron Black, Timm House, Jordan Cunico, George Horlin-Smith, Tom Stewart, Ryan Abbott

ROOKIES: James Parsons, Jack Henry, Zach Guthrie, Jamaine Jones, Mark O’Connor, Sam Simpson